(Washington D.C.) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced $152 million in funding for 19 rural development projects across Iowa, marking one of the largest coordinated investments by USDA Rural Development in the state. The projects aim to boost Iowa’s economy, improve infrastructure, and attract private investment in rural communities.
In southwest Iowa, Guthrie County Hospital will receive a $37 million loan to expand and renovate its facility. The project includes a 16,000-square-foot addition with a behavioral health room in the ER, an MRI room, exam rooms, and lab space, along with technology upgrades, new ventilators, and a fire suppression system for the ambulance garage. Renovations will also improve the dining hall and kitchen.
Water infrastructure projects include a $2 million loan for the Southwest Regional Water District in Page County to replace aging pipes, and a $1 million grant plus $8.8 million loan for the City of Shenandoah to add new wells and a transmission main.
The City of Halbur in Carroll County will receive a $500,000 loan to repave streets, add ADA-compliant crossings, and improve pedestrian and motorist safety.
For rural business development, the Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative will receive a $350,000 loan to assist Trackside Storage LLC in renovating a vacant building into a veterinary clinic in Harrison County, creating 10 new jobs.
