(Le Mars) — U-S Senator Tom Harkin made a visit to Le Mars Saturday morning with two objectives. First, the democratic Senator reviewed the historic preservation of the Wasmer Post #241 American Legion Hall, and Second, Harkin announced the Floyd Valley Hospital will receive a $15 million loan from the U-S Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development. Harkin was able to secure funds for the Mainstreet historic preservation and renovation projects. The American Legion was able to obtain a $30,000 federal challenge grant, along with $15,000 from the city of Le Mars, and private donations amounting to $22,000 in order to complete the historic renovation project amounting to $67,000. The Senator was given a brief tour of the remodeled facilities and saw the waving flag mural painted on the wall of the American Legion. Harkin suggested to the local Legion club that they may want to consider placing a light on the mural so it can be visible at night. Following both announcements, Harkin says these types of funding projects are beneficial to the communities served, and he doesn’t see it as a waste of tax payer funds.
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Harkin says the restoration of the local American Legion Hall is good for its historical value, plus he believes it may stimulate other community restoration projects.
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The Iowa Democratic Senator also made an announcement regarding Floyd Valley Hospital that
officials and trustees have been waiting a long time to hear.
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Harkin was especially pleased to learn the Floyd Valley Hospital expanded addition will utilize geo-thermal wells to help heat and cool the facility.
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