Forest City, Lake Mills, Clarion receive Rural Housing Readiness Assessment grants

DES MOINES — Three north-central Iowa communities have received Rural Housing Readiness Assessment grants from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

The cities of Forest City and Lake Mills as well as the Clarion Development Alliance each were awarded $20,000 as they are among six communities that will be partnering with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to assess housing needs and guide local development strategies.

The awards were part of $490,000 worth of Empower Rural Iowa Grants announced on Monday supporting 16 communities across the state.

The program funding helps expand housing, strengthen child care and encourage business and community growth.