DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 10, 2025 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Iowa State Director Michael Sexton today (Wednesday) announced that the agency is awarding a total of $4,720,000 for three projects to safeguard drinking water and two projects to improve hospital facilities and obstetrical services.

The investments are:

-City of Clearfield received a $29,000 grant through the Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) program to help complete a preliminary engineering report. This project will evaluate the wastewater system and provide alternatives and recommendations for improvements. This project is a necessary first step in determining costs and compliance with water quality standards. The project will help ensure sanitary conditions and promote the health of the 278 residents of this rural Taylor County community.

These two awards were funded through the Community Facilities grant program:

-Wayne County Hospital in Corydon received a $2,011,000 grant to construct a 4,820 square foot addition. This project will build a modern dialysis center adjacent to the hospital’s existing dialysis treatment area and will include a vestibule, staff lounge, treatment bay, nurses’ station, isolation room, restroom, supply closet, room for linens, biomedical technology area, water treatment room, and conference room. Once completed, this project will promote the health and safety of residents of this rural community and surrounding areas.

-Palmer Lutheran Health Center Inc. received a $1,100,000 grant to help renovate the Gunderson Heath System obstetrics services facilities at its clinic in West Union. This project will improve delivery and postpartum resources for the residents of this rural Fayette County community and surrounding areas.

Municipal public works building in Denison, Iowa. USDA photo credit Cecilia Lynch

Both of the following grants were funded through the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program:

–Denison Municipal Utilities received a $1,000,000 grant to improve the water supply for the city of Denison. This project will construct a rock riffle dam in the East Boyer River to help recharge the well field and provide a more consistent water supply, especially during drought conditions. Once completed, this project will promote the health and safety of the 9,419 residents of this rural Crawford County community.

–City of Macedonia received a $580,000 grant to improve its water system. This project will construct a new well in the existing well field. Currently, during dry weather conditions, the city must reduce the pumping rate of the wells, and the water supply can become insufficient. The project will help the city meet peak demands. Once completed, this project will provide safe, reliable drinking water for the 267 residents of this rural Pottawattamie County community.