(DES MOINES, IA) – The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board today, (Friday), approved awards for six companies, which will assist in the creation and retention of 305 jobs and result in $267 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Altoona, Ankeny, Eldridge, Fairfield, Iowa City and Knoxville. The board also approved assistance for startups in Coralville, Iowa City and Waukee. In addition, projects in Bondurant, Shenandoah and West Des Moines received a Destination Iowa grant and projects in Lenox, Newton and Louisa County received a Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant. IEDA recently approved assistance from Iowa’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Innovation Fund for a startup in Iowa City.

In southwest Iowa, a Destination grant of $600,000 was awarded to the Southwest Iowa Nature Trails Project, Inc. and City of Shenandoah, which plans to build the Wabash Trace Rapp Park Connector Trail, linking the 63-mile-long Wabash Trace Nature Trail to the outdoor recreation opportunities in southwest Iowa. The project is valued at $2.5-million. The different components aim to upgrade and create safer off-road connections to different sporting activities, local shops and the 200-acre Rapp Park. It is estimated that the trail will draw 75,000 annual visitors. The Destination Iowa program invests in transformational attractions that will bolster the quality of life and attract visitors and new residents. It helps Iowa communities make strategic investments to create and support infrastructure projects for lasting tourism opportunities. Award recommendations for these funds are made by an internal and external review committee and presented to the IEDA Board for approval.

And, a CAT (Community Attraction  and Tourism) Grant of $162,000, was awarded to the City of Lenox, to renovate the public swimming pool complex, including the shallow pool area, spray features, climbing wall and basketball hoops. The total project cost is $541,000. The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.

For more information on the other grant awards, go to https://opportunityiowa.gov/press-release/2025-09-19/ieda-board-approves-assistance-six-established-companies-three-startups-and-six-community-quality.