Finkenauer Announces More Than $1 million in COVID-19 Recovery Assistance for Local Governments

August 12, 2020
Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Wednesday announced financial assistance grants to support economic redevelopment and revitalization amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The grants from the Economic Development Administration total $1,118,481, and will be distributed to the Marshalltown-based Region 6 Planning Commission; the Postville-based Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission; and the Cedar Rapids-based East Central Iowa Council of Governments.

"This week’s devastating derecho storm underscores the challenges facing so many of our communities as we contend with the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing economic challenges,” Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. “These economic development grants will provide critical funding for cities, towns, and small businesses across northeast Iowa to recover from these crises and grow stronger for months and years to come." 

The funding will be distributed in the following amounts:

  • East Central Iowa Council of Governments: $400,000
  • Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission: $398,445
  • Region 6 Planning Commission: $320,036

The grants will help fund the development of economic recovery and resiliency plans in each region and assist local governments in their response to the pandemic.

The Region 6 Planning Commission serves Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek and Tama counties; the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission serves Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties; and The East Central Iowa Council of Governments serves Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington counties.

The grants were made available through the CARES Act coronavirus relief package that the House passed in March with support from Congresswoman Finkenauer.