Iowa Democrat Senator Tom Harkin has announced that six Iowa regional planning commissions and councils of government received a total of $330,300 to update their comprehensive economic development strategies. Among them, the Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO), based in Atlantic, received $54,000, to serve Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Montgomery, Page, and Shelby counties.

The funds were made through the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Economic Development Administration. Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee that funds the DOC. Harkin said  “Strong development strategies are imperative to the future of Iowa’s economic development.” He added that the “Funding will provide resources and make crucial economic investments in regions across our state. I congratulate these communities on receiving these funds as Iowa continues to invest in sound, stable projects that develop new jobs and career opportunities across the state.”