ITC Midwest Awards $5,000 Grant Toward Woodward Community Visioning and Concept Development Plan
April 28, 2025 | ITC Midwest
WOODWARD, Iowa (April 28, 2025) — ITC Midwest has awarded a $5,000 Power of Connection grant to support the Woodward Economic Development Association (WEDA) and their Community Visioning and Concept Development Plan. These funds will be used to cover the costs associated with the development plan, which aims to enhance the community’s infrastructure and amenities.
In 2023, Woodward was selected as one of two pilot communities in the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) new BOOST program. To determine the best use of the BOOST funding, a community and business survey was distributed, gathering feedback from approximately 200 respondents. Based on this feedback, the decision was made to proceed with a Community Visioning and Concept Development Plan for the Highway 210 corridor, downtown, and the High Trestle Trail trailhead.
“This project is an investment in Woodward’s long-term economic growth,” said WEDA President Craig DeHoet. “By enhancing our community’s infrastructure and amenities, we are creating new opportunities for local businesses and positioning Woodward as a thriving destination for visitors.”
The Community Visioning and Concept Development Plan will provide a comprehensive framework for future development, ensuring that Woodward remains a vibrant and attractive community for residents and visitors alike.
“The Power of Connection grant represents an opportunity to enhance the impact of economic development in Woodward for the benefit of the entire community,” said ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry. “By contributing funds to support this development plan, we are helping to create a comprehensive resource that connects residents and visitors with local businesses, fostering future economic development throughout the ITC Midwest service territory.”
About the Power of Connection Program
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 wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and 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.itcmidwest.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, Lead Communications Specialist, ITC Midwest
dmoulin@itctransco.com or 319-297-6837