Des Moines, IA -- Awards totaling $3,015,000 were announced for water and sewer infrastructure projects in nine communities across the state. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) made the awards through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which provides support for downtown improvements.
 
IEDA received 21 applications totaling $7.7 million in funding requests. Grants are awarded based upon the benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, financial need, project impact and readiness and commitment of local resources to the project.

“These projects are not always the most visible and exciting, but they are critical to the success of our local communities,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “When we can set up our towns to better serve the needs of their residents, additional economic and community development often follows.”

CDBG funds enable communities to make needed improvements to water and sewer systems, improve housing conditions for low-income homeowners, provide facilities for disabled and at-risk individuals, and make transformative downtown improvements.

The CDBG program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. IEDA is responsible for administering the CDBG funds in the non-metropolitan areas of the state.

For more information on CDBG or other community programs, visit iowaeconomicdevelopment.com or email cdbg@iowaeda.com. Media inquiries should be directed to Jacque Matsen at communications@iowaeda.com or 515.348.6245.