(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday morning, received a request for County participation in helping the Anita Locker receive an economic development grant. Supervisors Board Chair Steve Baier said he wrote “a general letter of support” for the grant, because other projects that have flourished under similar grants.

Scot and Cheryl Bailey, along with their son Jackson, own the Anita Locker. Scot and Cheryl appeared before the Board to explain the need for funds to update their facility, especially in light of business coming from the Minden Locker, which had to close due to damage from the April 26^th tornado.

Cheryl Bailey said they applied for a matching grant from the IEDA (Iowa Economic Development Authority) in the amount of $41,500.

She said they have applied for a CIS (Cooperative Interstate Shipping) license, which allows participating state-inspected meat and poultry establishments to ship products across state lines. To qualify for the CIS program, a meat processor must have fewer than 25 full-time employees and comply with all federal food safety, sanitation and facility regulations. Anita Locker has six employees, including two full-time and two part-time, and if the locker can update it’s compressor, that would bring in more business and allow them to hire three-to-four more people.

The Board took no action on the request at this time. In the interim, Supervisor Steve Green suggested the Bailey’s check with SWIPCO and/or CADCO to obtain other, possible sources of funds, including a loan. Supervisor Mark O’Brien said providing funds might “Open-up a can of worms” to the private sector. Supervisor Wendy Richter….

The Cass County Supervisors also heard a request for the use of ARPA funds for a proposed Griswold Splash Pad. Griswold City Administrator Sheryl Owen said they have $112,000 from their CD account to use for the project, but would like extra funds to really get the ball rolling. The project would be located where the current wooden playground is, in Griswold.

There will also be a green space for a play area. Owen said with the opening of the new daycare center, and housing development, the addition of a splash pad would be a welcome site for families moving into the area.

Supervisor Steve Green said he would be in favor of granting the funds, if the project was further along. The Board also considered a request by the City of Griswold/Noble Initiative Community Foundation, for $227,400 for a lift station at the Land of Oz Housing Development project.

Sheryl Owen said the City has already, technically, invested $1.1-million dollars in the project, including $500,000 directly from the City. The Board discussed the matter for a considerable amount of time and considered the request, but took no action at this time. Owen said they would like the board to act on the request by no later than the end of June, as the completion date is expected sometime in July or August, depending on the weather.