DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 25, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that the Agency is investing $2,788,324 in 12 projects in Iowa that promote rural housing, communities, small businesses, cooperatives, and public safety. In the KJAN listening area the following are grant recipients:

–Region XII Council of Governments received a $129,972 grant through the Housing Preservation Grants program to rehabilitate housing that is owned and occupied by very-low income people. This project will make necessary repairs to help eliminate health and safety hazards in homes and will improve the living conditions of 16 homeowners in rural Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, and Sac counties, in Iowa.

-City of Grant in Montgomery County received a $46,800 grant through the Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants program to purchase a vehicle. This project will provide the city’s fire department with a grass-fire truck to replace a 20-year old model which needs frequent repairs. This project will improve fire protection services and promote the safety of townspeople, fire-fighting personnel, and residents of surrounding townships supported by the city’s fire department.

Among the five Economic Impact Initiative Grants program award recipients was….

-City of Marne received a $30,800 grant through the Economic Impact Initiative Grants program to purchase equipment. This project will provide updated personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus packs for the city’s fire department. This project will promote the health and safety of firefighting personnel and better protect residents of this rural Cass County community.

Director Greenfield says “To ensure that Iowans in small towns and rural neighborhoods have good job opportunities and diverse paths to prosperity, USDA is removing barriers to economic growth by advancing locally driven plans and projects,” said Director Greenfield. “USDA is here with programs designed to help rural communities obtain essential services such as fire trucks, emergency sirens, and affordable housing. For co-ops and small businesses in rural areas, USDA may be one more resource to turn to get a project off the ground, up and running.”