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POSTVILLE, Iowa (Dec. 6, 2021) – A local effort to develop a comprehensive and inclusive plan to lay the foundation for continued success and future growth in Postville has received $5,000 through a Power of Connection grant jointly administered by ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC).

Through the Community Heart & Soul community engagement process, all Postville residents will be encouraged to come together to identify what they love most about their community, what they want for the future, and how to achieve it. This inclusive approach to community planning and development is designed to increase participation in local decision-making and empower residents to shape the future of their communities in a way that upholds the unique character of each town.

The Power of Connection grant program, launched in 2019 by ITC Midwest and IRDC, is intended to help fund feasibility studies, strategic planning and non-construction/equipment elements of a rural project.  In Postville, the funding will be used to support the implementation of the Community Heart & Soul four-phase process.

“We appreciate ITC Midwest’s support through this Power of Connection grant, which directly supports the Community Heart & Soul program in Postville,” said Postville City Administrator Darcy Radloff.  “This important initiative will help us ensure the diverse voices in our community are heard so that we can build upon our best characteristics for long-term viability and growth.”

“Comprehensive planning to identify the unique strengths of each community is essential to create blueprints for future success. The Community Heart & Soul program is designed to maximize the participation of community residents, creating the engagement and buy-in that’s important for a successful outcome,” noted ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry. “ITC Midwest is pleased to support this community development planning process in Postville to spur growth in the area and improve the overall quality of life.”

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.

For more information about program details, contact IRDC Executive Director Bill Menner at DIRECTOR@IOWARDC.ORG or call 641-990-4757

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.

About the Iowa Rural Development Council
The IOWA RURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL is a non-profit public-private partnership featuring members ranging from federal agencies to utilities, universities and community colleges and for-profit entities.  The Council is a federal Farm Bill-authorized organization that seeks to empower rural communities and bring together partners to advance the interests of rural Iowa. 

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Media Contacts: 

Bill Menner, Executive Director, Iowa Rural Development Council 
DIRECTOR@IOWARDC.ORG or 641-990-4757

Rod Pritchard, Manager of Marketing and Communications, ITC Midwest
RPRITCHARD@ITCTRANSCO.COM or 319-350-9255