Rural Iowa towns are full of promise. But too often, they’re held back by outdated infrastructure and a lack of capital to grow. A small investment can go a long way to create jobs, improve services, and strengthen Main Street.
One of the best tools we have to unlock that growth is the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program — a partnership between USDA and local utilities that delivers zero-interest loans to rural communities.
Zoom out: Since 1989, the REDLG program has supported nearly $120 million in rural investment and helped leverage over $1 billion in private capital across Iowa.
Why it matters: For a small town like Winterset, this program has been a game-changer, supporting over 20 local projects, 60+ jobs, and $32 million in infrastructure upgrades with major savings for taxpayers.
That’s why we gathered yesterday at DMACC with Winterset leaders and USDA’s Rural Development team to spotlight the program’s success — and introduce what’s next. ⬇️
At the press conference, we introduced the bipartisan Revitalizing Rural Communities Act to:
✅ Raise REDLG’s annual cap from $10M to $12M
✅ Extend the program through 2030
✅ Expand access to zero-interest loans for rural towns
This bill strengthens an already successful program — helping more communities invest in their future without adding new bureaucracy.
Bottom Line: Iowa’s rural communities are the backbone of our state. We’re building on what works to keep small towns growing, thriving, and competitive for years to come.