Federal stimulus money could help with county projects

Potentially free federal money could mean grants for local infrastructure projects in Plymouth County.

Dennis Sohl, Plymouth County conservation director, told the Plymouth County supervisors Tuesday that economic stimulus money may be coming from the government.

That's why the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) is encouraging cities and towns throughout the state to compile a list of projects to potentially apply for that grant money, Sohl said.

Sohl said the conservation department's Education Conservation Observation (ECO) Center is one he plans to submit for consideration.

Supervisor Craig Anderson had ideas for two other potential economic development projects.

"We've talked about an evidence building out at the jail and if we are going to do any kind of an expansion project here with a modular building or stand alone building of any kind to ease some of the overflow space at the courthouse," Anderson said. "So there would be two other things you could add to your ECO Center."

Sohl said he thought the IDED is looking for projects that will create jobs during the construction phase as well as encourage energy efficiency and recyclables to stimulate the local economy.

"That's what I think this whole thing is," said Supervisor Chairman Jim Henrich. "If the economy keeps going the way it is, they want to provide jobs."

The supervisors directed Sohl to send his proposal for the ECO Center to Gary Tucker, county economic development director, who will be in charge of putting together those three projects and sending them electronically to the state.

"It appears that roads and bridges are the primary focuses," Sohl said. "They have more job creation."

But even though the odds may be low for the county to receive economic stimulus money for those three projects, they have to take the opportunity, he said.

Supervisor Don Kass agreed.

"You can't fish if you don't bait," he said.