The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved awards for two companies, which will assist in the creation of 223 jobs and result in $20 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Rock Valley and West Des Moines. The board also approved Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grants in Cedar Rapids, Grundy County, Maquoketa and Pella.
Kooima Company to expand into larger Rock Valley facility
Kooima Company LLC specializes in tube laser cutting, flat laser cutting, machining, welding, robotic forming and tube bending. The company plans to lease an 82,500-square-foot facility in Rock Valley and install automated systems and equipment. The board awarded the $11.6 million capital investment project tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program. The project is expected to create 11 jobs at a qualifying wage of $25.97 per hour.
HMA Group Holdings to lease space in West Des Moines
The incorporated entity for Holmes Murphy, HMA Group Holdings, LLC, is an independent insurance brokerage that partners with businesses across the country in every industry and of almost every size for their risk management and benefits consulting needs. The company plans to expand beyond their Waukee building and lease and build out space in West Des Moines. The project represents a capital investment of $8.4 million and is expected to create 212 jobs at a qualifying wage of $36.80 per hour. The board awarded the company tax benefits through the HQJ program.
CAT grants awarded to four communities
The National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids was awarded $42,500 to renovate and improve their Orloj Clocktower, modeled after the famous Prague Orloj. The project will add unique features that highlight Czech composers, incorporate repairs and finishes, and redevelop the plaza around the clocktower. Total project cost is $685,000.
The Grundy County Conservation Board was awarded $214,000 to pave the remaining 1.3 miles of trail that will complete the seven-mile stretch of the Pioneer Trail between Reinbeck and Grundy Center. The 12-mile trail will interlink four communities and several recreational trails along the route. Total project cost is nearly $1.1 million.
The Prairie Recreation Area project led by City of Maquoketa and Jackson County was awarded $400,000 to make large scale improvements. The project includes streambank restoration for fishing, viewing and camping; construction of shelters, restrooms, trailheads and bridges; a trail connection from the recreation area to the city limits; and the addition of an 18-hole championship caliber disc golf course. Total project cost is nearly $2 million.
The City of Pella was awarded $500,000 for the Pella Recreation Center to be located within the Pella Sports Park. The project will construct a two-story building to house sports amenities like a competition swimming pool, indoor turf field, track and more, which is projected to attract approximately 18,000 players, coaches and family members per year. Total project cost is nearly $33 million.
The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.