ITC Midwest Commits $5,000 to Decatur County Child Care Business Planning Consultation
April 1, 2025 | ITC Midwest
LEON, Iowa (April 1, 2025) — ITC Midwest has committed $5,000 through a Power of Connection grant to the Decatur County Development Corporation for the Child Care Facility Financial and Business Planning Consultation project. This funding will support the critical planning and consultation efforts needed to address the childcare shortage in Decatur County.
The Decatur County Development Corporation, in partnership with the Decatur County Hospital, recently received funding from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to complete the Rural Child Care Planning Program. An analysis through this program revealed that 56% of Decatur County parents find it very difficult to secure childcare. This shortage significantly impacts the local workforce, with over half of parents experiencing limited employment opportunities due to childcare challenges.
“We are grateful for ITC Midwest’s generous contribution, which will help us take a significant step towards addressing the childcare needs in our community,” said Decatur County Development Corporation Director Cierra Fountain. “This funding will enable us to develop a comprehensive plan for a new childcare center that will benefit families and employers alike.”
The $5,000 Power of Connection grant will be matched by the Decatur County Development Corporation through their Economic Development Opportunity Fund to cover a portion of the cost for the project. The remaining fee will be absorbed by the Decatur County Hospital, which will lead the construction of the facility and develop a sustainability plan for its management and operation by a separate entity.
“Childcare in rural areas is challenging for parents and, as a result, employers are affected,” said ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry. “We are pleased to assist Decatur County with their solution to foster continued economic growth in the area.”
About the Power of Connection Program
The Power of Connectioncommunity 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 Connectiongrant 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.