Davenport, IOWA – According to the state officials, Governor Reynolds also announced an additional investment of $15 million to fund Destination Iowa applications from rural communities that did not receive grants in previous rounds.
Destination Iowa awards were granted to 46 projects totaling $115 million that activated $480,265,783 in total investment.
IEDA opened the Destination Iowa program in May 2022 and accepted applications through December 31.
Applications were scored based on eligibility, completeness, and the project’s ability to meet the program goal of creating transformational tourism attractions.
Destination Iowa grants have been open to cities, counties, nonprofits and other organizations through four separate funds: Economically Significant Development, Outdoor Recreation, Tourism Attraction, and Creative Placemaking.
The seventh round of Destination Iowa funded the following 10 projects. For the additional $15 million, IEDA reviewed applications already submitted by rural communities, defined as 30,000 residents or fewer that are not adjacent to communities of 30,000 or more residents.