U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Visitor Infrastructure in Cedar Falls, Iowa

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the city of Cedar Falls, Iowa, to develop visitor-friendly infrastructure on the Cedar River. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant will support the construction of trails and a viewing area along the Cedar River, as well as improvements to the aesthetics of an existing dam, in support of the local tourism and outdoor recreation sector. The EDA investment will be matched with $3.3 million in state and local funds and is expected to create 129 jobs and generate $295,000 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to supporting the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector as it works to recover and rebuild from the pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will improve visitor and recreational opportunities on the Cedar River, boosting the local business community and creating new jobs.”

“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is a critical economic driver for many communities and the Economic Development Administration is pleased to support community-led development strategies designed to boost tourism and build a better America for the future,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will create jobs, spur private investment and build economic resiliency in Cedar Falls.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG). EDA funds INRCOG to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to all 50 states and territories. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.