The Iowa Department of Economic Development says awards totaling $28.2 million were announced today (Monday), for 86 communities across the state. The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) awarded the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support 88 community investment projects. The federally funded grants were awarded for community facilities, infrastructure improvements, and single family owner-occupied housing rehabilitation.

In southwest Iowa, these communities received CDBG funds for sanitary sewer or water distribution system improvements….

Anita – $500,000; Creston – $600,000; Cumberland – $200,000; Essex – $287,00; Fremont & Minden – $300,000; Griswold & Panora – $500,000.

And, these communities received Housing grants to rehabilitate owner-occupied single-family units…

Atlantic – $484,500 for 13 units; Bedford – $241,000 for 6 units; Harlan – $373,000 for 10 units; Mount Ayr -$203,500 for 5 units; Shenandoah – $373,000 for 10 units; & Sidney – $308,000 for 8 units.

CDBG funds will leverage more than $34 million in local funds from Iowa’s communities. The program enables communities to make needed improvements to water and sewer systems, improve housing conditions for low-income homeowners, and develop the best child care facilities for Iowa’s youth.

IDED received 141 applications for these funds, totaling more than $44.2 million in funding requests. The grants are awarded based on the financial need and potential impact of the project, benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, and commitment of local resources to moving the project forward.

The Community Development Block Grant program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). IDED is responsible for administering the CDBG funds in the non-metropolitan areas of the state.