Osceola Main Street receives I-JOBS grant

Governor Chet Culver announced Monday I-JOBS grant awards totaling $13 million to 24 projects in Main Street Iowa communities to support physical improvements in their historic commercial districts.

“I am pleased to announce the I-JOBS grants to support the enhancement of these vital historic areas in our Iowa communities,” Culver said. “The infusion of I-JOBS funding will enable physical improvements to these districts that will create immediate construction jobs short-term and the Main Street districts will gain long-term permanent jobs as a result of more residents living, working and spending time and money in these community centers, for decades to come.”

During its 2010 session, the Iowa legislature appropriated the I-JOBS funding for utilization in Main Street Iowa designated districts for projects that are currently on IDED’s highest priority list, including those that have previously applied for funding consideration or have received partial funding for; façade master plans to rehabilitate storefronts; that have complete streetscape projects with the planning and the majority of funding secured; or that have projects that will enhance their downtown district and are considered “shovel ready.”

Osceola was one of those communities selected. The funds will be used to help with the restoration of the Masonic Lodge. The estimated project cost is $1,443,562 and the I-JOBS award amount was $625,000.

The Osceola project includes stabilization of 3-story National Register listed structure with a permanent rod system; restoration of the exterior including restore/replace windows, replace roof and install new electrical service with renovation of second and third floors.

For more on this story see the Aug. 19 edition of the Osceola Sentinel-Tribune.