NE Iowa News

Eleven Economic Development Administration (EDA) organizations will receive a part of $4.2 million in grants from the EDA, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said.

The EDA is using funds received from the CARES Act, KCCI 8 Des Moines reported. 

“I’m glad the Economic Development Administration has awarded an additional $4.2 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to support communities across Iowa," Sen. Chuck Grassley told KCCI 8. “Businesses, industries and families all across the state have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants will assist community organizations to respond directly to the effects of the pandemic and help boost their local economies.”

The grants are going to programs that are helping communities respond to the coronavirus. 

"This week’s devastating derecho storm underscores the challenges facing so many of our communities as we contend with the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing economic challenges,” Rep. Abby Finkenauer told KCCI 8. “These economic development grants will provide critical funding for cities, towns and small businesses across Northeast Iowa to recover from these crises and grow stronger for months and years to come."

The 11 organizations to receive grants are: Area 15 Regional Planning Commission, Region 6 Planning Commission, Region XII Council of Governments, North Iowa Area Council of Governments, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission, Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission, East Central Iowa Council of Governments, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, Southwest Iowa Planning Council, Mid-Iowa Development Association Council of Governments and Southern Iowa Council of Governments.