Maquoketa: ‘Iowa Great Place’

Maquoketa, IA – The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs announced nearly $1.7 million in grant funding for cultural development projects. $400,000 were granted to the City of Maquoketa to support recreation and community development projects in and surrounding the City.

The efforts of the City of Maquoketa, Maquoketa Betterment Corporation, Maquoketa Art Experience, Maquoketa Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Conservation, Grant Wood Mississippi River Region, Jackson County Economic Alliance, Vision 2020 Committee, and East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) all helped prepare and present the case for Great Places grant.

“It is through these kind of partnerships that great goals can be achieved,” Maquoketa Mayor Don Schwenker said. “The grant announced will help our community enhance quality of life and generate economic growth and job opportunities. I am proud to be a part of this partnership and am encouraged to keep making progress.”

The Iowa Great Places program challenges Iowans to create community development proposals that exemplify bold thought and innovation; foster a sense of place and identity; and demonstrate a commitment to enhancing community vitality and quality of life. Proposals are submitted to and reviewed by the Iowa Great Places Citizen Advisory Board.

This announcement follows the recent a Dubuque Racing Association grant award of $9,000 for improvements at Maquoketa Caves State Park and for the public address system in downtown Maquoketa, as well as the Community Foundation of Jackson County grant award of $10,000 for the Hurstville Trail and pedestrian bridge over the Maquoketa River.