(Pottawattamie Co.) McClure Senior Advisor Bethany Wilcoxon provided an update to the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors this morning on the progress in Minden.
An EF-3 tornado struck Minden on April 26, 2024. Wilcoxon said significant progress has been made, thanks in large part to the community’s vision for recovery, the exploration of different options to improve the town, and strong partnerships throughout the process.
Wilcoxon noted that they received an award from Paint Iowa Beautiful to repaint the exterior of City Hall.
Wilcoxon said they also received a grant from U.S. Economic Development Administration in the amount of $1.2 million dollars.
Wilcoxon said funding has been secured from Keep Iowa Beautiful for the installation of native plants at Taylor Park. The plants will be sourced through Golden Hills RC&D. Plans are also in place for a natural playscape at the park.
She added that another grant announcement is expected later in June, although details cannot be shared at this time.
Wilcoxon also mentioned that the city purchased 40 acres on the north side of town before the tornado struck. A new site layout has been developed with a variety of lot sizes and opportunities for a mix of housing price points. The revised plan includes 88 lots instead of the original 119.
She then provided information on the Community Recreation Hub.
In summary, Wilcoxon said they have secured $4.7 million in grant funding so far, with the estimated match at around $2.3 million. She added that they are continuing to explore other funding opportunities as they arise.
