(Radio Iowa) — Projects to rehabilitate old buildings in six Iowa cities were awarded a combined $23 million in state tax credits Tuesday. Brooke Miller is a spokesperson for the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), which helps administer the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program. “It’s designed to promote the retention of unique, character-defining buildings and building features that contribute to the community and the neighborhood overall,” Miller said.

There were 14 applicants requesting $62 million in tax credits, but just seven projects were selected for the $23 million made available for this round of funding. The tax credits were approved for two projects in Sioux City, along with other projects in Jefferson, Council Bluffs, Fairfield, Waterloo, and Des Moines.

In Council Bluffs, Pace Harvester II, LLC, received more than $3.6-million in the form of tax credits to turn the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company building into an educational/museum.

The communities benefiting from the program plan to turn potential eye sores into hotels, museums, office and residential space. For more details: https://t.e2ma.net/click/uf38qb/yikj6g/uvjkfo