March 28, 2024

Congressman Loebsack announces rural development funding for Clarke County

Congressman Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, announced Tuesday that three Iowa projects will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program.

A total of $2,631,600 in grants and loans will go to three projects in Clarke, Jefferson and Wayne counties.

“Rural Development grants and loans provide vital equipment and investments in infrastructure to support economic development efforts in communities,” Loebsack said. “I am pleased that the USDA has chosen to support these worthy projects in Iowa.”

Details of the projects follow.

Central Iowa Power Cooperative — $300,000 grant, $2 million loan to assist with Clarke County Public Hospital’s proposed renovation and expansion project of their campus in Osceola. The project will create four jobs and retain 143 jobs.

Access Energy Cooperative — $325,000 to provide a pass-through loan to assist with an equipment purchase for Fairfield Organics, LLC in Keota.  Project will create nine jobs and retain five jobs.

Wayne County — $6,600 grant to help make the county courthouse fully handicapped accessible by purchasing and installing four automatic door closers. One exterior door and three interior doors – one on each floor – will be equipped with automatic door push plates and hinges.