Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Governor Culver Announces $4.8 Million In Vision Iowa Grants
New Funds for Tourism Projects in Coon Rapids, Boone County and Jones County
(Des Moines) – Today, Governor Chet Culver announced $4,850,000 in grants to projects located in Coon Rapids plus Boone and Jones Counties.
“These awards are great encouragement for Iowans to dream big,” said Governor Chet Culver. “All of these projects will spur economic growth in their individual communities, which will change the face not only of their communities but the state as well.”
All three projects were approved by the Vision Iowa Board at today's meeting in Decorah.
“The Central Iowa Expo and Whiterock are both two huge projects that will generate tourism for years to come,” said Vision Iowa Board Chairman Andy Anderson. “The Central Iowa Expo, the biennial home to the Farm Progress Show, will showcase innovations in agriculture to visitors from around the world. And, thanks to the Garst family’s generous land donation, Whiterock will allow numerous people to experience the outdoor beauty our state offers.”
The following projects were approved for grants awarded from the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Fund:
Opening Whiterock: A Public Private Partnership for Rural Tourism – Coon Rapids
Total Project Cost: $ 6,868,662
Amount Requested: $ 2,213,207
Amount Awarded: $ 1,700,000
This portion of the environmental tourism project includes extensive trail development, including a paddler’s trail, interpretive signage, a Whiterock Visitor Center, streetscaping of the Coon Rapids entryway, public art elements and birder amenities. The Garst family has pledged up to 5300 acres for the Whiterock Conservancy, with nearly 1900 already donated.
This award is contingent upon the completion of fund-raising by July 1, 2008.
Central Iowa Expo – Boone County
Total Project Cost: $8,865,500
Amount Requested: $3,000,000
Amount Awarded: $3,000,000*
The Central Iowa Expo is a 110-acre outdoor exhibit area chosen by Farm Progress to become the Iowa biennial host of their National show beginning in August of 2008. Located in Boone County, the phase of the project required to host the event includes earthwork, trenching, sewers and drains, water, power, communication installation, street work and landscaping.
* In addition to a $2 million grant available immediately, the Vision Iowa Board will match private funding dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million.
Maquoketa River Water Trail – Jones County
Total Project Cost: $549,605
Amount Requested: $200,415
Amount Awarded: $150,000
This project includes improvements to river access sites, parking facilities, information signage and public gathering points along one f the most heavily used water trails in the state. The staging areas serve as community entry points into eastern Iowa, Jones County and the City of Monticello.
The Vision Iowa Program and the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Program provide financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Currently, 281 CAT awards have been granted by the board, totaling $93,570,436. The next Vision Iowa Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 10 in Des Moines. For more information, go to www.visioniowa.org.