(Atlantic) The Atlantic City Council on Wednesday night passed Resolution #31-26 that expresses the City Council’s support for the YMCA Community Development Project and authorizes the City of Atlantic to serve as the applicant for funding through the Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant Program.
The Iowa CAT Grant Program, administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), provides competitive funding for recreational, cultural, entertainment, and educational attractions that enhance tourism and community vitality in Iowa. The program primarily supports “vertical infrastructure” projects, including land acquisition, new construction, major renovations, trails, and related public facilities. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations. Projects must demonstrate broad community support and significant local financial commitment. CAT grants are designed to leverage local and private investment, stimulate economic development, and create transformational public amenities that improve quality of life and attract visitors.
The proposed YMCA project, part of a broader community investment initiative led by Vision Atlantic, has a total cost exceeding $20 million. It is intended to strengthen Atlantic’s long-term economic vitality, quality of life, and workforce competitiveness. The City’s anticipated financial participation in the project is approximately $4,685,442. Vision Atlantic and community partners continue to lead fundraising and project development efforts, while the City’s role focuses on grant application support and financial participation.
The City Council discussed the CAT grant and the City’s financial support during their May 13, 2026, work session. Funding for the project comes from restricted special revenue and proprietary funds, which are not available for general operating expenses such as police, fire, library, or recreation services. Under current property tax reform legislation (Senate File 2472), these funds cannot be reallocated to preserve essential services.
