[Atlantic, Iowa, March 16, 2020] The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has awarded the City of Atlantic a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $493,997 for improvements to Atlantic Municipal Utilities’ (AMU) water plant and distribution system. The grant funds are part of a $1 million improvement project including repair of two pressure water filters, clear well maintenance, and 1,250 linear feet of water main to provide redundant crossing under the Nishnabotna River. The project will benefit the entire community but especially low to moderate income residents of both Atlantic and Marne, who rely upon the service. The City of Atlantic and AMU worked jointly with the Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) to secure the grant funds and the project will commence in the near future.

Atlantic Municipal Utilities General Manager Steve Tjepkes said “This grant goes a long way to ensure that we continue to provide great service to our customers while keeping user costs low. We’re thankful to the State of Iowa for awarding this and for SWIPCO on their hard work in going after these funds.”

SWIPCO is a council of governments and designated EDA economic development district based in Atlantic supported by the cities and counties of an eight county region including Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Montgomery, Mills, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby Counties. CDBG funds are used for a variety of projects with varying application deadlines. Communities with needs are encouraged to contact SWIPCO staff early in their project development to work on a successful funding strategy.