Latest news with #IowaEconomicDevelopmentAuthority
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Google announces $7 billion investment in Iowa, including new Cedar Rapids data center
Google will invest $7 billion to officially build a data center in Cedar Rapids and expand cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in its Council Bluffs complex, more than doubling its existing investment in Iowa. State and city leaders say the May 30 announcement positions Iowa and Cedar Rapids as leaders in delivering AI technology to the world, and said it signals the state's role in staying ahead of emerging technologies. "This additional investment isn't just a corporate decision," Gov. Kim Reynolds said. "It's a powerful endorsement of our state, of our communities and our potential. It's a catalyst for prosperity and Iowa's future, and we are so proud to stand alongside one of the most innovative companies in the world.' Google has invested $6.8 billion in Iowa since launching its multimillion-dollar data center in Council Bluffs in 2007. Company officials didn't share how the $7 billion would be split between Iowa facilities. Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, said it is a privilege to live in a time where AI is emerging. "It's been called the golden era of American innovation, and I truly believe it is," Porat said. "And our deep, longstanding investments in American technical infrastructure and in research development will help the world continue to lead in AI with all the benefits that come. It's about the economic upside." The Iowa Economic Development Authority board in March 2024 signed off on the city of Cedar Rapids' use of $56 million in tax abatements for the $576 million project, which is among the city's largest on record. The Cedar Rapids City Council approved a development agreement for the project in February 2024 with a company that was not named at the time to build one or more data centers on the city's far south side near the Eastern Iowa Airport in the Big Cedar Industrial Center. As part of that agreement, the project will create at least 31 jobs paying at least $31.44 per hour. Cedar Rapids can leverage the state's High-Quality Jobs program — which provides tax credits and refunds to businesses that move to or expand in Iowa — to give Google a 20-year break on property taxes that would otherwise increase with the completed data center's assessed value. But the whole data center campus is expected to create hundreds more jobs as well as temporary construction jobs. Google has upped its investment in Iowa facilities, investing another $600 million in its already $5 billion, 1,000-acre Council Bluffs complex in 2022 and another $1 billion in 2024. Microsoft and Meta have joined it in Iowa, building data centers in locations including Altoona and West Des Moines. Apple opened a 400,000-square-foot data center in Waukee in 2024. This is a developing story and will be updated. Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@ Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @marissajpayne. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Google will invest $7B in Iowa, including new Cedar Rapids data center
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sioux City Art Center wins award for ‘Razzle Dazzle' project
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — The Sioux City Art Center is being recognized as part of the 2025 Iowa Governor's Arts Awards for one of its projects that debuted this past year. Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer and the Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded the museum with the Arts Service Award for Amanda Browder's 'Razzle Dazzle' project back in August. The project transformed the architecture of the center by installing vibrant textiles made from dozens of recycled, donated, or locally sourced fabrics. SUX Fly & Drive fly in, car show, and pancake breakfast happening Saturday Browder, who lives in Brooklyn, worked with volunteers and artists at sewing events hosted in Sioux City. Razzle Dazzle represents in part the diversity of those who worked on the installation, according to a release. The Governor's Arts Awards are given every other year to recognize outstanding organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts in Iowa. 'These awardees exemplify the passion, creativity and leadership that drive Iowa's arts community forward,' Iowa Arts Council director David Schmitz said. 'Their work enriches our state, inspires our communities and ensures that the arts continue to thrive for future generations.' 10 Iowa individuals and organizations received awards in seven categories. There were over 90 nominees. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$500K grant awarded to northwest Iowa trail project
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) awarded a $500,000 grant to a trail project in Dickinson County. Officials said on Friday that the funds came from the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Program. The money will go towards the Clay County Connection Project, which includes building a 3.5-mile addition to the Spine Trail. 2 finalists named for chief administrator role at Northwest AEA Once the project is done, the 32-mile trail corridor will connect three counties in two states and 8 municipalities. The estimated cost of the project is just more than $2.5 million. IEDA said the connection project is set to be a part of the Iowa Great Lakes Connection, a trail system for people to access multiple lakes and recreational opportunities in Northwest Iowa. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
An Iowa town was named one of the country's best main streets. How did it win the award?
Iowa is home to one of the best main streets in the United States. Jefferson, Iowa, was honored with one of the 2025 Great American Main Street Awards, which recognizes communities for "preservation-based commercial district revitalization." Only three cities were selected for the award by a national jury of community preservation professionals, according to American Main Street Awards. 'Jefferson Matters exemplifies the power of creative and community-driven solutions,' said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. 'By leveraging public art as a tool for economic growth, they have transformed downtown Jefferson into a beautiful and thriving Main Street that celebrates both its history and its future. Their innovative direction demonstrates the impact of the Main Street Approach in fostering vibrant communities.' The city of Jefferson received the award for its "significant" investments in its public arts programs, according to Main Street America. Since 2012, Jefferson Matters has invested $24 million to rehabilitate its downtown, according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority. That investment has led to 45 new businesses and renovations to more than 100 buildings. For example, the rooftops of several buildings downtown have installed art displays that can be seen from the top of the Mahanay Bell Tower. The bell tower is on the corner of the courthouse square in downtown Jefferson. "Our community, board, and volunteers have embraced the idea that public art is more than just decoration—it is a driver of economic growth, a source of civic pride, and a way to bring people together," said Matt Wetrich, the executive director of Jefferson Matters, in an interview for Main Streets America. Jefferson is a town of 4,100 people in central Iowa. It is possibly best known for the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower. It is a 14-story tower where visitors can ride a glass elevator up 120 feet to the observation deck. Every year, Jefferson hosts the Bell Tower Festival, which features vendors, a carnival and a street dance. The three-day event also has a parade and sports tournaments. Jefferson is one of 14 central Iowa communities connected by the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The trail is the longest paved loop in the nation, totaling 72 miles within 89 miles of recreational trailers, according to its website. Jefferson is the county seat of Green County. It is just over an hour northwest of Des Moines and is roughly halfway between Boone and Carroll on U.S. Highway 30. Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@ or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa town named one of the best main streets in US. How did it win?
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Grants drive growth in rural Iowa
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has announced $40,000 in grants to drive growth in the rural Iowa towns of Imogene and Sibley, as well as Calhoun and Jackson counties, according to a news release. The funding comes from the Governor's Empower Rural Iowa Initiative's Building Ownership & Organization by Strengthening Teams (BOOST) program. 'For struggling rural areas, this support can be transformative — helping local leaders to bring their vision to life, create and fill jobs and fuel economic progress where it's needed most,' said Debi Durham, director of the IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority. 'These grants encourage innovative ideas that enable small Iowa towns to stay vibrant and competitive.' The Rural BOOST program connects community and business leaders with expert guidance to develop actionable growth plans. Grant funding supports the implementation of those plans. Projects must serve communities with 20,000 or fewer residents and not be adjacent to a city of more than 40,000. Countywide projects must be located in one of the state's 88 least-populous counties. Each of the following awarded projects will receive $10,000: Calhoun County — Calhoun County Economic Development will develop a marketing strategy to attract businesses, manufacturers or service providers to locate in the Calhoun County Business Park, particularly on a 13.2-acre shovel-ready site, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and Iowa Highway 4. Imogene (Fremont County) — With a population of 39, the city wants to invest in professional design and engineering services to prioritize community needs — such as street repairs, a campground expansion, a bridge replacement and downtown building renovations — in an effort to curb population decline. Jackson County — The Jackson County Economic Alliance (JCEA) reports that 72% of the county's workforce is older than 55, and most are expected to retire within 15 years. To prepare, JCEA plans to survey the workforce needs of local businesses and industries and assist with creating succession plans for a smooth transition. Sibley (Osceola County) — Sibley Housing and Development Corp. is eyeing a new residential development to address a significant housing shortage, which is hindering the city's economic growth. The grant will pay for a site plan proposal and public awareness campaign. IEDA received six applications for this round of BOOST grants, which opened in January. Applicants, who are required to provide a financial match, were scored based on criteria that included economic need, partnerships, readiness and strategic goals. Rural BOOST is administered by the Center for Rural Revitalization, a division of the IEDA, in consultation with the Governor's Empower Rural Iowa Initiative Task Force. For more information on the Empower Rural Iowa program, contact Robin Bostrom at 515-348-6176 or rural@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
