(Des Moines) U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield announced earlier this month that the Agency is investing $1,084,171 in grants to 16 rural Iowa projects to connect medical professionals to patients, support water system planning, and establish basic quality-of-life and services for individuals and families in rural communities.
Here in Southwest Iowa:
-City of Pisgah received a $22,000 grant to create a water facility plan developed by engineers. This project will address water system conditions and performance and will include alternatives and recommendations to meet the rehabilitation needs of the entire water system. This project will promote better water quality for residents of this rural Harrison County community.
-City of Griswold received a $7,100 grant to help purchase communications equipment. This project will provide voice pagers for the city’s fire department personnel. Once completed, the project will streamline fire department operations and promote the safety of residents of this rural Cass County area.
-City of Lenox received a $43,000 grant to help purchase equipment for the fire department. This project will promote the operational efficiency of fire personnel. Once completed, the project will streamline fire department operations and promote the safety of residents of this rural Taylor County area.
City of Blockton received a $50,000 grant to help purchase a vehicle. This project will provide a tanker truck for the city’s volunteer fire department to increase water capacity in fire-fighting operations. Once in service, the project will promote the safety of residents and property in this rural Taylor County community.
-Montgomery County Memorial Hospital received a $50,000 grant to help purchase medical imaging equipment for Villisca Medical Clinic. This project will provide an X-ray machine to make more accurate diagnosis and to save patient travel time to distant hospitals. Once in place, the new equipment will promote the health and safety of residents of this rural Montgomery County area.
-City of Corning received a $49,000 grant to help remodel city hall. This project will renovate and update the shingles, concrete, and lighting on the building. Once completed, this project will better facilitate official business of the city and improve on-site safety for residents using the adjoining community center in this rural area in Adams County.
-City of Anita received a $50,000 grant to help purchase an ambulance. This project will expedite vehicle access to response sites and make patient transport safer and more reliable. Once in operation, the new ambulance will facilitate emergency services for the residents of Cass County and nearby rural areas.
