(Des Moines, Iowa, March 30, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton today (Monday), announced that the agency is investing $5,273,000 across three projects that will safeguard clean water and improve wastewater systems in rural Iowa communities.
Among the projects is one designed to improve an aging water system in the City of Randolph., in Fremont County. The City received a $442,000 loan through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grant program to provide additional funding for water system improvements. The project will add storage capacity, replace the distribution system, install new meters, improve the treatment plant, and put in a backup generator. The current system lacks capacity and is unable to meet maximum daily demands and volume requirements. Once completed, the project will protect water services, comply with water standards, and promote the health and safety of residents, businesses, and visitors to this rural Fremont County community.
Details on other Projects:
- City of Allerton received a $27,000 grant through the Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households program to help complete a preliminary engineering report prepared by professional engineers to address wastewater system needs. This project will evaluate the city’s sewers and include alternatives, recommendations, and costs for improvements. This project will be the first step in providing better, essential wastewater service to residents of this rural Wayne County community.
- City of Lake City received a $4,804,000 loan through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program to improve its wastewater system. This project will line sewers, seal manholes, maintain lagoons, and replace the main lift station and force main. Once completed, the project will reduce infiltration and inflow in the collection system, help the city comply with water standards, and promote health and sanitation for residents and visitors of this rural Calhoun County community.
For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.
To learn more about these programs, call 515-284-4663 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia.
