(Des Moines, IA) -- Two central Iowa projects are getting $8 Million in grants from the Destination Iowa program. The Great Outdoors Foundation has been awarded $7-million for the Scott Avenue site portion of the Iowa Confluence Water Trails Project. Organizers are planning a regional water trails network in central Iowa with more than 80 planned improvements across 150 miles of waterways. The award represents 13% of the Scott Avenue site investment of $53,500,000.
The Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines has been awarded $1 million toward a $12-million overhaul of the historic ballroom into a music venue. Historically significant portions including signs, dance floor, and other features are to be rehabilitated. The project will also include adding modern amenities.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has also announced a nearly $5 million grant to the City of Council Bluffs and the Southwest Iowa Nonprofit for Collaborative Impact, to assist in funding a riverfront development project. Organizers are planning a treetop walk, a pier, and 138-foot-tall observation tower with an adventure course. The total project is expected to cost more than $32-million.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority began accepting applications on May 9 and will continue to review applications as they arrive through December 31 or until the $100 million in Destination Iowa funding runs out.
To date, a total of $50 million has been awarded to 13 projects throughout the state through Destination Iowa grants.