(Des Moines) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) awarded $965,500 in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants to 14 communities around the state. One of
those grants will benefit a Le Mars project. The grants will benefit local improvement projects such as façade upgrades and restoration, upper floor rehabilitation, building stabilization and repairs and remodeled spaces for expanding downtown
businesses. The announcements were made during a ceremony held Tuesday at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
One of the grants awarded was to Le Mars for the renovation of the Claussen’s building second floor. Mary Reynolds, Director of the Le Mars Main Street
explains the process in obtaining the state grant that started four months ago.
Reynolds says the grant amounts to $75,000 from the state, but the city of Le Mars has also agreed to help with the project.
The Le Mars Main Street director says Le Mars has twice previously benefited from the Main Street Challenge grants with money allocated to renovate the American Legion hall, as well as the Le Mars Beauty College.
The Challenge Grant program is funded through an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature. Since the first appropriation in 2002 through 2015, approximately $6.8 million in state and federal funds have leveraged over $45 million of private reinvestment. Over the life of the program, 124 projects in 47 Main Street Iowa commercial districts have received funding.
