DES MOINES — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Director Theresa Greenfield recently announced millions for investments in 10 rural Iowa projects to expand business opportunities and hospital access and to support waste water sanitation planning.
“From hospitals to fire stations to supporting small businesses, USDA is investing in rural Iowa,” said Director Theresa Greenfield. “Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Vilsack, USDA is working with local leaders to build and grow their communities.”
The North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation received a $50,000 grant to help provide technical assistance to strengthen local biomass supply chains in Northern Iowa. Based in Mason City, nonprofit North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation is a regional economic development organization serving multiple localities. The project will promote economic development in rural Cerro Gordo County and surrounding areas.
Following this accpncement, Garner, Iowa based Stellar Industries announced plans to expand their operations in Mason City through the purchase of a former distribution facility located at 2400 19th Street SW. The North Iowa Corridor EDC coordinated efforts with the company and City of Mason City to bring the project to fruition, partnering to build on Stellar’s 33-year history of growth and support in North Iowa.
Also in Northern Iowa, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative received a $2,000,000 loan from the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program to help fund a pass-through loan to Iowa Central Community College in Storm Lake. This project will fund construction of a campus learning center. Once completed, the project is expected to promote economic development in this rural Pocahontas County community.
Further, the University of Northern Iowa in Black Hawk County received a $78,267 grant to provide technical assistance to small and emerging businesses in Carroll, Marion, and Poweshiek counties. The project will supply project planning, business counseling and training, market research, feasibility studies, and professional reports. It will promote economic development in these rural areas.