SW Iowa Times

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds supports the Empower Rural Iowa initiative, which brings government funds to underserved rural areas of Iowa. 

The goal of the program is to promote growth in rural Iowa by expanding broadband access and affordable housing choices. 

"The Empower Rural Iowa Initiative has played a key role in transforming our rural communities by expanding broadband access and affordable housing options, which are essential to the growth and retention of our state," Reynolds said in a post to her official Twitter account Jan. 20. 

Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg also chimed in to support the program. 

"Rural communities are the backbone of our state, and this latest round of grants will help them tackle tough challenges like housing, childcare and recruitment," Gregg said in a release from the governor's office. "The Empower Rural Iowa initiative looks forward to building on this success and further ensuring opportunity and prosperity are present in all corners of Iowa." 

The grants pay for 38 projects across the state of Iowa. In addition to the Rural Return and Rural Innovation grants, certain cities got Rural Housing Assessment grants. Both projects are supervised by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

The grants will cover specific areas, according to the release, such as a Rural Innovation Grant that supports new ideas to solve problems. There will also be a Rural Housing Assessment Grant to improve access to housing and a Rural Child Care Market Study Grant to study the needs of children in Iowa. Additionally there are plans for a Rural Return Grant to promote new citizens moving to the area. 

An example of a way the program is attracting new residents is a business incentive plan in Jefferson, according to the release. Meanwhile, the Rural Innovation program is trying to find constructive ways to put abandoned school buildings to use.