(Clarinda, IA) — Clarinda is trying to expand its local businesses and this week received funds from the state of Iowa to potentially make that happen. The Iowa Economic Development Authority has awarded the Clarinda Economic Development Corporation $29, 875 to help prepare a business park for development. Amy McQueen with the CEDC says this has been in the works for a while
The Hugh and Maxine Loudon Business Park is on 70 acres on the south side of Clarinda that runs adjacent to the Highway 2 and Highway 71 bypass. McQueen says the money from the IEDA will cover half the cost to prepare the land for development with the city of Clarinda covering the over half
McQueen is not sure what types of businesses will go in the park, there has been some businesses that have initially reached out to get information but nothing is finalized as of yet. McQueen hopes that this project can jump start new business growth in Clarinda
McQueen says there has not been any land that was ready for businesses to develop on so this is a necessary step for Clarinda and she says the city government has been totally supportive. The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded over $130,000 to five different projects — the other money going towards developments in Newton, Maquoketa, Webster City and Ft. Dodge.
