Coulee Creek Barn Awarded Power of Connection Community Grant
October 22, 2024 | ITC Midwest
Funds aid in repurposing 100-year-old barn to serve the community
ELKADER, Iowa (Oct. 22, 2024) – An initiative to repurpose a 100-year-old barn serving the local community has received a $5,000 Power of Connection grant jointly administered by ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC).
With a mission of fostering a vibrant community space, local residents Sara Davis and Gary Siegwarth spearheaded the repurposing of the Coulee Creek Barn on the outskirts of Elkader. The barn is affiliated with “The Culture Farm,” which is a non-profit organization committed to connecting the community through art, environmental education and advocacy for sustainable agricultural practices.
“The barn serves as the epicenter for diverse educational programs,” said The Culture Farm President Sara Davis. “We aim to foster a deep appreciation for cultural heritage through a myriad of workshops, hands-on experiences, and community-driven initiatives that highlight creativity, sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.”
The Power of Connection grant program is intended to help fund feasibility studies, strategic
planning and non-construction/equipment elements of rural projects. In Elkader, the funding will be used to support the conceptual plans for future use along with programs ranging from hands-on agricultural workshops encouraging environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
“Managing the power grid involves significant environmental responsibility and supporting the communities we serve,” said ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry. “We take pride in partnering with organizations like the Coulee Creek Barn that serve as catalysts for environmental education and the preservation of local history, all to promote a better quality of life in Elkader and surrounding areas.”
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.
Media Contacts:
Bill Menner, Executive Director, Iowa Rural Development Council director@iowardc.org or 641-990-4757
Darcy Moulin, Senior Communications Specialist, ITC Midwest dmoulin@itctransco.com or 319-297-6837