(Washington, D.C.)– The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Development has awarded eight grants totaling slighly more than three million dollars to eight Iowa entities, including some in northwest Iowa. The funding goes to various utility companies to assist with economic development activities.
Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative in Estherville is among the recipients. The utility was awarded a 300-thousand dollar grant to enhance an existing revolving loan fund to help Spencer Industries Foundation put up a speculative building.
Northwest Telephone Cooperative Association in Havelock will receive a 500-thousand dollar loan to help expand Country Maid, Incorporated in West Bend. Officials say the project will create 19 new jobs and retain 10. The loan is for 10 years at zero percent interest.
And Corn Belt Power Cooperative in Humboldt will receive a 300-thousand dollar grant to help fund a public infrastructure for the same project in West Bend.
