IEDA Awards $133,528 to Support Rural Industrial Site Development

June 12, 2025 (DES MOINES, IA) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today announced five recipients of the Iowa Rural Certified Site Initiative (IRCSI), a competitive grant program supporting the development of project-ready industrial locations in Iowa’s smaller communities.

A total of $133,528 in matching funds was awarded to assist with due diligence activities required for site certification — a key step in attracting new business investment and quality jobs. The funding reimburses costs for required reports and studies such as environmental assessments, geotechnical investigations and cultural resources surveys.

“Rural communities are thinking strategically about long-term growth,” said Debi Durham, director of the IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority. “This support helps them take important strides toward welcoming new employers and creating opportunities close to home.”

The following applicants received funding:

  • Clarinda Economic Development Corporation
    $29,875 — Hugh and Maxine Loudon Business Park (~70 acres), Clarinda
  • Jackson County Economic Alliance
    $27,050 — Highway 61 Industrial Park (~59 acres), Maquoketa
  • Iowa Interstate Railroad
    $37,500 — Newton Rail Park (~478 acres), Newton
  • City of Webster City
    $37,500 — Webster City Southeast Industrial Park (~773 acres), Webster City
  • Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance (on behalf of Webster County)
    $1,603.75 — Iowa’s Crossroads of Global Innovation (~765 acres), west of Fort Dodge

Created during the 2024 legislative session, the IRCSI provides matching grants of up to $37,500 to eligible applicants, including local governments, economic development organizations and utility providers in counties with populations fewer than 50,000.

Certified sites are better positioned to attract prospects by meeting nationally recognized due diligence standards and demonstrating that essential infrastructure and land availability requirements have already been met.

More information about Iowa’s Certified Sites program and the IRCSI can be found at opportunityiowa.gov/business/buildings-sites/certified-sites-program.

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