The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s State Historic Preservation Office has awarded $750,000 in Iowa Rural Heritage Revitalization Grants to support the rehabilitation of eight historic properties in Atlantic, Beaconsfield, Bentonsport, Fairfield, Fort Dodge, Harcourt, Lime Springs and Wapello.
The Fort Dodge grant was awarded for the former Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The grant will assist with critical repairs to clay tile, flat and asphalt roofing systems, as well as drainage improvements to halt water infiltration. The total amount of the grant is $82,782.
Funded through the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program, the grants will help preserve historic properties in rural Iowa. The funding marks Iowa’s first award through the competitive federal program since 2020.
“Historic buildings help tell the story of a community, but they’re also part of its future,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. “By investing in their preservation, we’re helping communities create opportunities for businesses, residents and visitors while keeping these places active and relevant for future generations.”
Grants of up to $150,000 were awarded for preservation work at properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The State Historic Preservation Office received 13 applications requesting more than $1.4 million, nearly twice the funding available.
