For more information, contact:
Ms. Kanan Kappelman
Phone: 515.348.6248
Email: communications@iowaeda.com
Iowa Economic Development Authority Board Approves assistance for an established company, four community development projects and two sporting events
February 21, 2025 (DES MOINES, IA) β Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved a job creation award for a manufacturer in Sioux Center and six awards aimed at enhancing quality of life and tourism opportunities in the state. The community development grants support two Destination Iowa projects in Des Moines and Manly, two Sports Tourism events in Newton and two Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) projects in Cherokee and Lenox.
Service Trucks International to expand in Sioux Center
Service Trucks International, Inc. manufactures truck bodies used in the mobile equipment repair industry. The company plans to increase capacity at their Sioux Center facility with the construction of a 56,000-square-foot building for the manufacturing of their Tiger Cranes telescoping service cranes, personnel support, indoor product testing and outbound shipping. The project represents a capital investment of $9 million and is expected to create six jobs, of which two are incented at a qualifying wage of $26.24 per hour. The board awarded the company tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program.
Destination Iowa grants awarded to two projects
The Iowa Soccer Development Foundation plans to build the Pro Iowa Soccer Stadium and Global Plaza. The stadium will house Iowaβs first professional soccer teams and be available to host public events year-round. The four-acre plaza will be a public space for pre- and post-game gatherings and community cultural festivals. When open, the annual economic impact of the stadium is expected to be $13.9 million and the plaza to be $1.3 million. The $79 million project was awarded a $5 million grant.
The Manly Junction Railroad Museum, Inc. is dedicated to preserving the railroad legacy with the construction of a new 19,500-square-foot facility to house the museum and event center, which is expected to attract at least 10,000 visitors per year. The museum will share the history of the rail industry and its impact on the development of the Midwest through unique exhibits, artifacts, tracks and equipment. The event area will seat up to 150 people with outdoor space as well. The nearly $7.3 million project was awarded a $1.818 million grant.
The Destination Iowa program invests in transformational attractions that will bolster the quality of life and attract visitors and new residents. It helps Iowa communities make strategic investments to create and support infrastructure projects for lasting tourism opportunities. Award recommendations for these funds are made by an internal and external review committee and presented to the IEDA Board for approval.
Sports Tourism grants awarded to two events
Newton Community Events, Inc. was awarded $437,500 for the INDYCAR Race Weekend, a double header race event on the national series schedule. Promotion of the two-day event will include national TV, radio and digital ads, targeting motorsports fans and the growth of new fans. The total project cost is $875,000.
Newton Community Events, Inc. was also awarded $50,000 for the NASCAR Cup Series Weekend, featuring three races and other related activities at the Iowa Speedway. The three-day event will focus on local promotions and expand out of state for digital ads. The total project cost is $100,000.
The Sports Tourism program provides financial assistance for projects that market or promote professional, collegiate or amateur level sporting events in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the Sports Tourism Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
CAT grants awarded in two communities
The Cherokee County Conservation Board was awarded $35,000 to construct a trap field support building at the Licklider Shooting Complex in Cherokee. The project will create the necessary viewing areas and modern amenities for spectators during public use and events, including youth shooting competitions that can draw people from the community and region. Total project cost is $185,000.
The City of Lenox was awarded $62,000 to pave a three-quarters mile, eight-foot-wide trail. The project combines previously completed sections of an existing trail, totaling nearly three miles. It will connect the trail to the community, offering a more walkable and safe outdoor experience. Total project cost is $313,000.
The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
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