(NIT photo)
DES MOINES — A new swimming pool planned for Jewell will receive $675,000 in state assistance, giving the Hamilton County community a substantial boost toward a $2.59 million recreation project.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved the Community Attraction and Tourism grant September 18 as part of a statewide package supporting manufacturing expansions, startup businesses and public recreation facilities.
New pool to feature accessible entry, swimming lanes and diving tower
Jewell plans to construct a 3,370-square-foot pool with a zero-depth entry, water features, three 20-yard swimming lanes and a 1-meter diving tower.
The project will use the existing bathhouse.
The $675,000 grant represents approximately 26 percent of the announced project cost, leaving about $1.92 million to be covered through other funding sources. The state’s announcement did not identify those sources or provide a construction schedule.
The pool is intended to provide a new recreational destination for residents and families in the surrounding area.
The award follows another significant recreation investment in Northern Iowa. Last month, Forest City received a $705,000 CAT grant for a new Bear Creek Golf Course clubhouse, part of nearly $1.74 million in assistance announced for projects in Forest City, Waverly and at the University of Northern Iowa.
That clubhouse proposal had also received local backing, including a $5,000 matching commitment from Winnebago County supervisors.
CAT grants help communities build recreational, cultural, educational and entertainment facilities intended to improve quality of life.
State approves nearly $7.39 million in manufacturing incentives
The September 18 awards also included $7,384,662 in Business Incentives for Growth tax credits and sales-tax refunds for six manufacturers, according to the accompanying state award spreadsheet.
Those projects represent approximately $246.49 million in planned capital investment and are expected to create 346 jobs.
The manufacturing awards are:
- Accu-Mold, Ankeny: $1,082,500 in incentives for a $33.25 million expansion expected to create 150 jobs.
- Pratt, Bondurant: $1,796,698 for a $97.61 million corrugated-packaging manufacturing project expected to create 105 jobs.
- Infiltrator Water Technologies, Davenport: $134,964 for a $7.36 million project expected to create 26 jobs.
- Amcor Flexibles North America, Centerville: $2 million for a $44.55 million packaging-production investment expected to create 24 jobs.
- Summit Products, Altoona: $193,000 for a $5.73 million expansion expected to create 21 jobs.
- Woodbine Manufacturing, Harrison County: $2,177,500 for a $58 million manufacturing facility expected to create 20 jobs.
Of the 346 projected positions, 104 are listed as qualifying jobs tied to the incentives. The applicable hourly wage thresholds range from $22.32 to $35.11, depending on the project. Those thresholds should not be read as the promised wage for every position announced.
Recreation grants and startup loans round out approvals
The largest recreation award went to Polk County Conservation, which received a $4.25 million Destination Iowa grant toward a $17 million transformation of Sleepy Hollow Sports Park in Des Moines.
Plans include expanded skiing, snowboarding and tubing, an accessible chairlift, an 18,000-square-foot lodge and additional camping, hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
Lee County Conservation received a $78,000 CAT grant toward a $393,675 project replacing the aging beach house at Pollmiller Park in West Point with an accessible visitor-services facility.
The board also approved two $50,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance loans. Des Moines-based bindl is developing software to help organizations coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness. Ankeny-based SABER Chemical is commercializing a bio-based plastic material that can be made from corn-derived sugars.
For Jewell, the immediate result is state backing for a community recreation project, with the grant covering roughly one-quarter of the planned pool’s cost.