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MURRAY, Iowa (April 14, 2023) – An initiative to develop a portion of land owned by the City of Murray to meet local housing needs has received a $5,000 Power of Connection grant jointly administered by ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC).

The City of Murray, through an agreement with the Murray Development Corporation, has planned to convert a piece of land into residential housing. The land is owned by the city and once served as a part of the park system at Mallory Park. In 2017, the city replaced the water main and improved the stormwater system near the area. However, infrastructure is needed on the site to make it suitable for residential construction.

“We’ve coordinated with local engineering companies to repurpose the former park space and plan to install surface and underground infrastructure,” said City Administrator Denise Arnold. “The Power of Connection grant will support the addition of six to 10 single-family homes on this site.”

The Power of Connection grant program is intended to help fund feasibility studies, strategic planning and non-construction/equipment elements of a rural project. In Murray, the funding will be used to submit a proposal for full design services, review existing information and conditions, and provide assistance with permitting and construction drawings.

“Sufficient residential housing is essential for continued economic growth in rural communities,” said ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry. “Developing this area in Murray will provide new opportunities for growth and help ensure the community continues to thrive into the future.” About the Power of Connection Program

Launched in 2019, the Power of Connection community grant program is an initiative of ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC). This innovative economic development program is designed to pair rural communities seeking assistance with IRDC resource teams. Those teams drive both community conversations and solution development for problems or projects.

Communities eligible for the Power of Connection program must have populations of under 10,000 and be outside of a metropolitan area. Power of Connection grant dollars cannot be
used for construction, real estate or equipment.

About ITC Midwest
ITC Midwest LLC is a subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the largest independent electricity transmission company in the U.S. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri, and holds utility status in Wisconsin. ITC Midwest is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and maintains regional operating facilities in Dubuque, Iowa City and Perry, Iowa; and Albert Lea and Lakefield, Minnesota. For further information visit www.itc-holdings.com. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.

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Media Contacts:
Bill Menner, Executive Director, Iowa Rural Development Council
director@iowardc.org or 641-990-4757
Darcy Ehrmann, Senior Communications Specialist, ITC Midwest
dehrmann@itctransco.com or 319-297-6837