Vision Iowa Status ReportJanuary 10, 2007
The Honorable Roy Buol
City of Dubuque
50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Vision Iowa Program Status Report
Dear Mayor Buol,
On behalf of the Vision Iowa Board, I would like to present to you the Vision Iowa
Status Report. This report was formally released at the Vision Iowa Board
meeting held on December 13, 2006. Since the Vision Iowa Program's inception
six years ago, the program has financed 260 projects across the state and
leveraged $290 million into over $1.5 billion in direct project investments in Iowa.
These direct investments have leveraged millions more in other private
community investments.
This report focuses on creating local partnerships and leveraging state funds into
significant local investments. The report contains direct accounts from local
leaders who have successfully partnered with the Vision Iowa Program to see
their community vision become reality.
The Vision Iowa Board looks forward to partnering with community leaders
across the state in continuing to make Iowa a better place to live, work, and visit.
The Vision Iowa Board and staff welcome any questions or comments you may
have regarding this report and Vision Iowa Program.
Sincerely,
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Andrew Anderson
Vision Iowa Board Chairman
IOWA DEPARTMENT Of ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 USA • Phone: 515.242.4700 • Fax: 515.242.4809 • www.iowalifechanging.com
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December 13, 2006
In the past eight years, I have had the opportunity to visit towns and cities
of all sizes in every corner of our state. I have seen a remarkable change
in the landscape of both urban and rural communities. The Vision Iowa
and Community Attractions and Tourism (CAT) programs have played a
large role in creating that change.
When I became Governor, one of the largest concerns among Iowans
was the lack of cultural and recreational opportunities across the state.
That is why our administration developed the Vision Iowa Program in
2000 with the hopes of making Iowa a better place to live, work, and visit.
I am pleased to see that only six years from the first award, our state has
more cultural, educational, recreational, and entertainment opportunities
than ever before.
I applaud the Vision Iowa Board for guiding this program and ensuring its
success. Their efforts have leveraged significant state and local invest-
ment to assist hundreds of projects across the state. These projects are
bringing new economic opportunities to our communities and creating
new jobs for thousands of Iowans.
I also commend the many local leaders across Iowa that have part-
nered with the Vision Iowa and CAT programs to realize their own vision.
Without local leadership and foresight, we could not have created the
extraordinary changes seen in our towns and cities.
I am proud of our work over the last eight years in creating new cultural
and recreational opportunities for Iowa. Together, we have changed the
landscape of this state and created a brighter future for all Iowans.
Sincerely,
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Thomas J. Vilsack
Governor
December 13, 2006
Dear Fellow Iowans:
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Six years ago Iowans often said, "There's nothing to do here." Many
A MESSAGE perceived that our cultural, recreational, and tourism attractions were
aging, unimpressive ornon-existent. Unfortunately, this perception
FRO M TH E reflected reality. Much of Iowa's infrastructure had not kept pace with the
needs and expectations of Iowans and out-of-state visitors.
CHAIRMAN In response to those concerns, Governor Tom Vilsack and the Iowa
Legislature created Vision Iowa in 2000 to bring vitality to Iowa through
investments in Iowa's cultural, recreational, and tourism resources. Two
investment funds -Vision Iowa and Community Attractions and Tourism
(CAT) -and one 13 member board -the Vision Iowa Board -were formed
to evaluate and select opportunities to develop attractions throughout the
State of Iowa.
Vision Iowa's track record speaks for itself. To date, Vision Iowa and CAT
have made a total investment of $290,876,671 in 260 of Iowa's cultural,
recreational, and tourism projects. Conservatively, this investment by
the State has generated new direct investment of over $1.5 billion and
millions of dollars of additional private economic activity- a good return on
investment by any account!
While the last six years of this program have been very successful, the
Vision Iowa Board still believes there is work to be done. Iowans continue
to demand cultural, recreational, and tourism attractions that engage and
inspire them and bring visitors to their communities. Iowans want modern
V 1 ("~ ION and impressive facilities where they can take in a concert, view a beautiful
`\J painting, swim a fast lap, check out a good book, go boating, stay in a rustic
cabin, learn about their heritage, ride their bikes, watch a baseball game,
T and the list goes on!
\r ,~.,, The Vision Iowa Board believes that actions speak louder than words, and
n ~° ! we look forward to working with Governor-elect Chet Culver and the 2007
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Best Wishes,
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Andrew Anderson, Chairman
Vision Iowa Board
www.visioniowa.org
VISION IOWA MISSION
j Th~Vision Iowa board is charged by the Iowa Legislature
w and Governor with establishing, overseeing and providing
approval ofthe administration of the Vision Iowa program
and the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) program
o#the state of Iowa. The Board will encourage and
support creative projects that enhance the lives of
Iowans throughout the state, will encourage and support
visionary thinking in cities and towns and counties of all
sizes and in all areas, and will leverage state money as
heavily as possible to attract funds for these projects
from other sources. The Vision Iowa board will support
projects that build on Iowa"s unique assets and values,
and expand the cultural, recreational, entertainment and
educational opportunities in the state.
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CONTENTS
Six Year Summary ............... 1
Vision Iowa Board ............... 2
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A Visiort;~or Iowa ............... 3
Levera ' g Resources...........4
Creating Partnerships ...........6
Projec M ap ...................8
Comm' ities with Vision ......... 9
'-'~ Clear ke .....................12
Des Moines ...................14
Dubuque . .....................16
Mount Ayr .................... 18
Mount Pleasant ............... 20
Sioux-City ...... ,~, ............. 22
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AFTER SIX YEARS...
Total Vision Iowa and CAT Investment
260 Projects
$290,876,671- State Investment
$1,538,352,287 -Direct Leveraged Investment
Investments have been made in 90 counties and 191 communities statewide.
Vision Iowa
Number of Projects: 11
Total Vision Iowa Investment: $210,550,000
Total Overall Investment in Vision Iowa Projects: $925,744,179
Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Program
Number of Projects: 249
Total CAT Investment: $80,326,671
Total Direct Leveraged Investment in CAT Projects: $612,608,108
Vision Iowa and CAT Facts
• 78% of applications have received state assistance
• The average state investment in a project is 19%
• Jobs during construction phase: 8,734* VISION
Protect Jobs created: 2,056*
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g es eported by award recipients and compiled by the Iowa Department of Economic Development. ,
www.visioniowa.org
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VISION
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THE VISION IOWA BOARD
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Each Vision Iowa Board member is appointed by the Governor based on demonstrable experience or expertise in the field of tourism development and
promotion, public financing, architecture, engineering, major facility development or construction.
The Vision Iowa Board is charged with ensuring that projects will improve the quality of life or quality of attraction in the community. The Board reviews
the project's ability to generate recreational, cultural or tourism opportunities, create a tax generating economic impact, and use planning principles
such as efficient land use and existing infrastructure.
All members, except for the Auditor of the State, the Treasurer of the State, and the Director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED),
serve as volunteers on the Board.
The State of Iowa is in debt to current and former Vision Iowa Board members for their service to Iowa:
Andrew Anderson -Des Moines Swati Dandekar -Cedar Rapids Jerry Kearns -Keokuk Carolyn Rants -Sioux City
Regenia Bailey -Iowa City Mike Edwards -Burlington Lynn Kueck -Algona Cathy Reece -Chariton
Marvin Berenstein -Sioux City Michael Fitzgerald -Treasurer of State Mary Lawyer- Director IDED Libby Slappey-Cedar Rapids
Mike Blouin -Director IDED Michael Gartner- Des Moines CJ Niles -Director IDED David Vaudt-Auditor of State
Lorna Burnside -Storm Lake Charles Graf -Clinton David Odekirk -Waterloo LaMetta Wynn -Clinton
Mary Ellen Chamberlin -Davenport Richard Johnson - Auditor of State Dianne Paca -Garner
Gregg Connell -Shenandoah Sharon Juon -Waterloo Bradford Parks -Dubuque
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LEVERAGING RESOURCES
Vision Iowa's investment of $290 million has directly caused additional public and private
investment of over $7.5 billion and has indirectl y resulted in substantial additional development.
GOVERNOR TOM VILSACK
At a Vision Iowa meeting held October 9, 2002, Governor Vilsack commented
on the leveraged activity he had observed across the state as a result of Vision
Iowa investment.
"I'm also encouraged to see the related development that these projects have
leveraged. New gas stations, hotels and restaurants are emerging in many of the
communities that have received Vision Iowa funds. This kind of growth is what I
hoped for when the Vision Iowa program was created."
On December 8, 2004, Governor Vilsack again commended the Vision Iowa Board
and local leaders in Iowa for leveraging the state's dollars into such a significant
overall investment across the state.
MICHAEL GARTNER,
FORMER VISION IOWA CHAIRMAN
On November 12, 2003, former Vision Iowa Chairman Michael
Gartner commented on the program's ability to leverage state
dollars into significant investments across the state.
"I'm pleased that this board has been able to leverage local
dollars and invest state money wisely so that this program has
directly impacted more than 100 Iowa communities. I am proud to
have been associated with a program that has made such a mark
on our state."
"The Vision Iowa program has leveraged far more development and created
more opportunity in our state than we could have dreamed," Vilsack said. "A
program that some people thought would assist only a few projects in large
cities, Vision Iowa has invested in ... projects in rural and urban areas across
the state. I congratulate the forward-thinking leaders in each community who
are making Iowa a better place to live, work and visit because of the projects
they championed."
LOCAL LEADERS' ACCOUNTS OF LEVERAGING IN THEIR COMMUNITIES .. .
City of Davenport
The City of Davenport reported significant leveraged activity as a result of the River Renaissance on
the Mississippi Project which was awarded a $20 million Vision Iowa grant on August 8, 2001. The
River Renaissance on the Mississippi Project is amulti-component project including the creation of
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the River City Music Experience, the Arts Corridor, and the New Economy Corridor. %"a
In an article published in the Quad Cities Times on January 10, 2003, Tom Saul reported Ryan -
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Companies US announced their plan to construct two multi-million dollar office buildings in
downtown Davenport to house Lee Enterprises and RSM McGladrey. ` ~
Mary Junck, the chairman, president and chief executive officer of Lee Enterprises said, "We _ ,~' A
chose to stay in downtown Davenport because we want to remain a part of the excitement
and momentum. The growing range of amenities provides an ideal location for our national ~~ ~.
headquarters with an appealing welcome for visitors and a good place for our employees to work." ~ Wit,'
Calhoun County
Calhoun County reported leveraged activity as a result of the North Twin Lakes Trail Project which received a $300,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant
on August 13, 2003. The North Twin Lakes Trail Project includes the completion of 6.2 miles of trail, additional land acquisition, grading, tree and brush removal, and trail
bed/construction. The trail will connect three state parks, two county parks, a public campground, and other recreational opportunities.
Calhoun County reported the following leveraged activity in its most recent annual report:
• Beautification along the trail -benches and tree plantings
• Development of additional residential lots
• Restored prairie area
• Additional camping sites have been developed and are in the process of being developed as a result of increased demand for sites adjacent to the trail
• Both a restaurant and grill have reopened in this area near the trail
City of HuII
The City of Hull reported the leveraged activity as a result of the Pattersonville Park & Cultural Center Project which received a
$400,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant on October 13, 2004. The Pattersonville Park & Cultural Center Project
includes the development of Pattersonville Park, the new Hull Library and a Visitors Center and Museum.
The City of Hull reported the following leveraged activity in its most recent annual report:
• New housing development of 33 lots
• New industrial business which created 11 new jobs
• Main Street business renovations
• New 1,300-foot storm sewer and street project
• Three new commercial businesses, grocery store, drive-ins and clothing store
VISION
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~REATING PARTNERSHIPS ~ ~~ ~~~
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Vision Iowa encourages cities, counties, private entities, and individuals to partner with the state to realize community
dreams. The program helped bridge these partnerships for the first time in many communities. The Vision Iowa Board is
well known for sending applicants out to forge new partnerships despite the challenges that exist. Communities have found
they can achieve much more when local partners work together to improve the community through a local project.
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Charlene Elyea, Naturalist for the O'Brien County Conservation Board, touched on the importance of the local partnerships that have been created with
the Prairie Herit age Center Project. This project was awarded a $200,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) award. The Prairie Heritage
Center Project includes the construction of a 4,876 square foot environmental education center which will house a meeting room with
kitchenette, a display area, restrooms, offices, and a work space. A full basement will be used for storage, select programming and
utilities. Interior and exterior displays will provide educational opportunities.
- .~, "One of the most amazing things that has come out of this project is the bringing together of extremely high quality
LOCAL craftspeople. We have strived to use local people for this project. The quality of the work is amazing.
~~ «_ _ Everything from the taxidermy to the cabinetry to the displays has been done by people in O'Brien
'= County or neighboring counties. We are proud that the craftsmanship rivals the quality
which could have been obtained by using out-of-state display companies.
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Mr. Jim Oulman, C ~' firma f Her Park of North Iowa, discussed how the creation of
partnerships enhared th Winn a o Historical Society's Heritage Park of North Iowa Project.
When complete, thlf Herit a Park of North Iowa will consist of an 1800s church, a country
schoolhouse, a sawmill, a barn and petting zoo, and a large collection of steam-powered
tractors. The state's investment will aid the project's second phase that involves locating, moving,
renovating and building a series of buildings that will anchor the Heritage Park.
"The Winnebago Historical Society received a Vision Iowa CAT grant in 2002 for $200,000. This grant
was extremely important to us because it allowed us to construct both buildings and infrastructure.
Heritage Park of North Iowa is the combination of the three local museums and three local farm
shows. The theory was that it is far better to be partners than to be competitors. We have now
spent over $1,000,000 in construction and have received over 30,000 hours of volunteer labor. "
fundraising portion of the project. O'Brien County has recently formed
a Tourism Committee to showcase the many unique natural, cultural, and
community treasures in O'Brien County. Our organization is playing a large role
within the committee. A Kick-Off Event was held at the Prairie Heritage Center. The
Center will also provide a starting point for tours offered within the county. People visiting
the event commented that they felt the uniqueness of the Prairie Heritage
'~"t3 ~ Center would be a draw to visitors from other areas."
PROJECT DIVERSITY
The Vision Iowa Board has been charged with disbursing funds to projects that are geographically diverse.
The map below shows each of the 11 Vision Iowa Projects and 249 CAT projects across the State of Iowa.
Vision Iowa and Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Awards
2000 -November 2006
- Lake Park Okoboji Estherville Armstrong St. Ansgar Cresco
Rock Rapids Sibley Spirit ake Bancroft - Lake Mills Ma ly Deco ah 121
Ile Arnolds Park Graetting r WINNEBAGO c Waukon
Hvll Burt ak
Sioux enter Orange o~pers Ruthven AI ono 121 Brm ry
g Ma on Ci N w Hampton 121 Monona
Hawarden OBRIEN Spencer tear Lake 131 r ,.
West Union
~~~~~ Orange City A 0° West Bend 12 Garne Greene CHICKASAW CLAYTON
Le Mars I Cleghorn thon ner 121 Elkade
Naghua Guttenberg
Hum oldt Clarion Hampton Waverly 131 Faye a u`
Sioux City Storm ake owan BUTLER ~' Denve Oelwein 121
2 CAT Cherokee ~rawberry Poin
Manson Eagle Groves Aplington Ackley Waterloo a arFal ~ A rora D
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Fort Dodge _ _ _ 3 CAT • F irbank
Indepen rs
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CALHOUN low Falls D 1 VI
ike
Moville Ida Grove EI ma 121 Conrad Evan dale Man hester
Odebolt Roc well City Webster Ciry 12 Hudson Ryan
Wall L ke Grundy Ce ter La orte Ci 121
L hrville ornson Tra r
Center Point
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Beaman Dysart ,.
Anamosa
Onawa 121 Denis n Carroll Ames Albion Gladbrock Marion
lidden Marshalho n 121 Toledo Springville
3 MONONA Du ap CRAWFORD CARROLL Madrid later Nevada State Cent e Tama Blairstown CedarR
~R^ MARSHALL 4 CAT
Defi~
nce
Ganger
POLK Belle Plain
North Liberty ~
131
Harlan Panora 0 Ilas Center
L Des Moines Amana 121
3 CAT ;AI D ona ully Brooklyn C alville
Council Bluffs POTTAWATTAMIE Atlantic 121
2CAT Carson CASS
1 VI Greenfield
Henderson 12)
Malver
ADAMS
Glenwo d~~ - Red Oakl I UNION
Sidney 121 iag
FREMONT Mount yr 131
Legend
1 VI • Iowa Ciry
Redfield _ Ca isle
Norwak _. Pella , ~
Winterset Indian la
Mlo olumbus Juncti Muscatine
Knoxville Sigourney WASHINGTON
MAHASKA Wa and
Osceola Char n Ottumwa Media olis
M unt Pleasant 3)
Fairfield DES MOINES
ono urlin
Coryd n Centerv Ile 121 Eld 2 CAT
Leon Don ellson 1 VI
Lamoni
West PoinT(/ Fon Madison
• City Vision Iowa Awards ~ County Vision Iowa Awards
• City CAT Awards ~ County CAT Awards ~ CAT & Vision Iowa Awards
2CAT
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121
iketa 121
Clinton
De Witt 121
SCOTT Le Claire
Bettendorf 121
Davenport
3 CAT
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8
COMMUNITIES WITH VISION
Almost 200 communities have received a state investment through the Vision Iowa or Community Attraction and Tourism Programs
The list on the following pages acknowledges each community that has received an award from the Vision Iowa Board. A full listing of each applicant, project,
and specific award amount can be found on the Vision Iowa website www.visioniowa.org.
Of these communities, many have experienced success in creating partnerships and leveraging local resources into much larger investments. For the purpose
of this report, six communities have been chosen from across the state as examples of success. The concluding pages of this report offer direct accounts of
success in Clear Lake, Des Moines, Dubuque, Mount Ayr, Mount Pleasant, and Sioux City.
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THE COMMUNITIES
The list below acknowledges the cumulative state investment in each community. Each investment is a result of the hard work and commitment of cities, counties, local
non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals. A full listing of each application, project and specific award amount can be found at www.visioniowa.org.
Ackley $25,000 Carlisle $100,000 Dallas Center $50,000 Fairfield
Albion $225,000 Carroll $650,000 Davenport $21,850,000 Fayette
Algona $364,350 Carson $400,000 Decorah $1,750,000 Forest City
Alton $200,000 Cascade $200,000 Defiance $35,000 Fort Dodge
Altoona $50,000 Cedar Falls $869,042 Denison $665,000 Fort Madison
Amana $500,000 Cedar Rapids $3,240,000 Denver $220,000 Garner
Ames $1,500,000 Center Point $540,000 Des Moines $77,550,000 Gladbrook
Anamosa $272,000 Centerville $860,000 DeWitt $385,000 Glenwood
Anita $225,000 Chariton $100,000 Diagonal $34,000 Glidden
Aplington $20,000 Cherokee $400,000 Dike $76,215 Graettinger
Armstrong $25,000 Clarion $100,000 Donnellson $125,000 Granger
Asbury $100,000 Clarksville $170,000 Dows $100,000 Greene
Atlantic $890,000 Clear Lake $820,000 Dubuque $40,200,000 Greenfield
Aurora $85,000 Cleghorn $77,000 Dunlap $220,000 Grundy Center
Avoca $124,000 Clermont $225,000 Dyersville $275,000 Guthrie Center
Bancroft $14,500 Clinton $3,300,000 Dysart $95,000 Guttenberg
Beaman $70,000 ColumbusJuncti on $525,000 Eagle Grove $100,000 Hamburg
Belle Plaine $250,000 Conrad $200,000 Edgewood $150,000 Hampton
Bettendorf $4,300,000 Corning $65,000 Eldon $150,000 Harlan
Blairstown $350,000 Coralville $930,000 Eldora $111,500 Hawarden
Britt $100,000 Corydon $95,000 Elkader $222,600 Henderson
Brooklyn $350,000 Council Bluffs $24,840,000 Estherville $1,000,000 Hospers
Burlington $5,250,000 Cresoo $75,000 Evansdale $50,000 Hudson
Burr Oak $40,000 Creston $1,092,200 Fairbank $81,000 Hull
to
Humboldt $93,000 Marion $750,000 Panora $180,000 Storm Lake $9,000,000
Ida Grove $165,000 Marshalltown $4,515,000 Paullina $200,000 Story City $200,000
Independence $1,300,000 Mason City $140,000 Pella $609,000 Strawberry Point $200,000
Indianola $40,000 Mediapolis $100,000 Peosta $150,000 Sully $100,000
Ionia $77,393 Milo $20,000 Perry $13,000 Sumner $77,000
Iowa City $800,000 Monona $95,000 Red Oak $1,400,000 Tama $93,000
~: Iowa Falls $150,000 Monticello $550,000 Reinbeck $100,000 Tipton $95,000
Knoxville $25,000 Morrison $124,000 Rock Rapids $250,000 Toledo $165,000
La Porte City $100,000 Mount Ayr $190,000 Rock Valley $486,000 Traer $150,000
Lake Mills $59,000 Mount Pleasant $1,220,000 Rockwell City $550,000 Treynor $175,000
Lake Park $1,100,000 Moville $300,000 Rowan $100,000 Underwood $100,000
Lamoni $250,000 Muscatine $1,000,000 Ryan $24,000 Wall Lake $200,000
LaPorte City $30,000 Nashua $150,000 Shell Rock $100,000 Washington $75,000
Le Claire $250,000 Nevada $450,000 Sibley $175,000 Waterloo $8,800,000
Le Mars $710,000 New Hampton $269,000 Sidney $194,000 Waukon $650,000
Leon $68,053 North Liberty $1,750,000 Sigourney $360,000 Waverly $1,063,000
9 Lohrville $45,000 Norwalk $50,000 Sioux Center $3,280,285 Wayland $80,000
Madrid $120,000 Odebolt $28,000 Sioux City $21,075,000 Webster City $313,000
Malvern $251,470 Oelwein $1,100,000 Slater $83,500 West Bend $290,000
t Manly $100,000 Okoboji $250,000 Spencer $625,000 West Point $200,000
Manson $52,000 Onawa $233,000 Spirit Lake $200,000 West Union $500,000
't Maquoketa
f $968,649 Orange City $95,000 Springville $200,000 Winterset $90,000
Marathon $200,000 Oskaloosa $300,000 St. Ansgar $60,000 Wiota $9,500
Marengo $644,000 Ottumwa $7,500,000 State Center $75,000
The investment amounts on this page do not include awards t hat have been returned to the program.
11
CLEAR LAKE
City Population: 8,161
Number of Projects: 4
• Clear Lake Municipal
Swimming Pool
• Central Gardens Site
Development
• Storm Shelter/Community
CenterNFW Post
• Clear Lake Arts Center
Total Project Costs:
$ 4.9 million
Total Amount Awarded:
$ 820,000
"Each of these Projects represents much more than just the construction of a new swimming pool, Community garden, and an arts
center. They are all symbolic of how various groups of Community-minded people, with a vision, came together
to help Clear Lake achieve three separate life-long dreamstor many of our residents and visitors, which will help to keep
Clear Lake alive and vital - a place where people wantto come."
-Scott Flory, City of Clear Lake City Administrator
"The capital campaign has created a buzz of excitementin the community that has year-round and seasonal residents
anticipating the creative arts programming that will be available once the facility is open. During fundraising events, we have brought
together many people to share the dream. Connecting people who are interested in the arts is a benefit to community life and
enhances other people's desire to move here."
"The community will be enriched with an arts facility and all of its related programming. Emphasis is on partlClpation by
citizens of all ages, so lives will be enhanced. The galleries will be admission free and a special fund allocates tuition support for
youth and special needs adults who would benefit from such assistance."
-Betty Winga, Executive Director of the Clear Lake Arts Center
"Its Five Commitments -Excellence, Beauty, Education, Horticultural Knowledge and Building the Garden -result
in many community-based activities such as plantings, speakers, garden tours, and now Spring Blooms. These activities and
economic development aspects reach people of all ages, all walks of life, and all levels of mobility."
- Lisa Balduf, Central Gardens of North Iowa
According to the most recent annual report, the Central
Gardens of North Iowa estimated annual visitors to be 14,000.
12
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DES MOINES
City Population: 198,682 "This project would not have been possible without the collaboration of the entire community. Polk County
worked with the City of Des Moines and other communities within Polk County and the surrounding area, the business community
Number of Projects: 8 through the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau and the State of Iowa in
• Capital City Vision Project conjunction with the Vision Iowa Program. Through these efforts, the Iowa Events Center was born. The partnership of the Iowa
- Iowa Events Center Events Center with the Iowa Hall of Pride and Science Center of Iowa into the Capital City Vision Projects resulted in additional funding
-Science Center of Iowa for the Des Moines Downtown Public Library, the Pappajohn Learning Center, the Science Center and the World Food Prize. The
- Des Moines Public Library economic development projects that have been occurring in the downtown area demonstrate how the County's leadership on the
-Iowa Hall of Pride Iowa Events Center and our cooperation with the City of Des Moines and the private sector have made a significant difference in the
-John Pappajohn Learning Center
- World Food Prize Center
economy of the greater Des Moines metropolitan area. These projects represent an Unprecedented investment of pUbliC and
• Drake Stadium Renovation private fUnd/ngfor facilities in downtown Des Moines. The Iowa Events Center is the linchpin of the plan that is making downtown
Project Des Moines a destination for both residents and visitors."
-Angela Connolly, Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair
Principal Park Stadium
•
Improvements
• Hoyt Sherman Place "Since the completion of the theater renovation, Hoyt Sherman Place has seen a renaissance of artistic activity. Hoyt
Theater Sherman Place theater has become the ideal and in most instances the "preferred" venue for the Des Moines Public Library's AVID
• Zoo for All Seasons (Authors Visiting In Des Moines) lecture series. Nationally acclaimed authors, Janet Evanovich and Bill Bryson both commented on
(Blank Park Zoo) the extraordinary theater and complimented everyone involved in the efforts to restore and maintain this Des Moines treasure."
• James W. Cownie Baseball - Kathi Fieldsend of Hoyt Sherman Place
Complex
• Robert D. Ray Asian Garden "The Gardens' unique ethnic cultural presence will provide an important symbol of community diversityand
• Rediscovering the Rivers serve as a fitting representation of Iowa's historic international outreach efforts. The Gardens will be a lasting tribute to Governor
- Pedestrian promenade along Des Robert Ray's visionary and humanitarian leadership in saving the lives of thousands of Vietnamese, Cambodian and Tai Dam."
Moines River -Paul Shao, President of the Chinese Cultural Center of America
- Civic gardens
- Ice skating rink
Total Project Costs: Increasing Visitors to Des Moines:
$ 396 million Blank Park Zoo reported a 42% Increase In attendance in the summer of 2004, due to improvements.
Total Amount Awarded: Because of the stadium renovations, Drake Athletics was able to successfully bid and attain the 2007 NCAA regional track meet and
$ 77.5 million the 2008 NCAA National Track meet.
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DUBUQUE
City Population: 57,686
Number of Projects: 2
• America's River atthe Port
of Dubuque
• Grand Opera House
Restoration
Total Project Costs:
$109.9 million
Total Amount Awarded:
$ 40.2 million
"Vision Iowa was the essential ingredient that made America's River work. vision Iowa not only provided the
funds needed for our ultimate success, but helped leverage an enormous amount of support from Federal agencies, corporations,
foundations, and national donors from Minneapolis to New Orleans. It brought our city, county, chamber, private sector, and non-
profitleaders together in a project which amazed our community, our state, and our national leaders. vision Iowa is
the reason that America's River is recognized as a national leader in museum development, riverfront revitalization, and community
pride."
-Jerry Enzler -President, America's River Corporation, Executive Director, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium of Dubuque
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium tells the story of the Mississippi to
residents and visitors to Iowa. We are putting Iowa on the map as the leader in river conservation, education, tourism, quality of life,
and ecological preservation. This national resource is for Iowans to enjoy, as well as friends and families of Iowans and visitors to our
community.
Leveraged activity of $55,491,000 was estimated for the America's River projects.
• Total Facade renovation in downtown has been $5,363,705 - 34% of which has happened since 2003.
• Building rehabilitation in downtown has been over $69,180,980 - 31 % of which has happened since 2003.
• New construction in downtown has been over $118,517,663 - 71 % since 2002 and includes portions of the America's River project.
* Statistics reported by the award recipient as a part of an annual report.
Sampling of visitorCOmmentsaboutthe National Mississippi River Museum &Aquarium:
• This is one of the best museums I've ever been to... A hidden gem right here in the Midwest.
• About time the mighty Mississippi was acknowledged, explained, and become an interactive, educational experience!
• What a wonderful assetto Dubuque!
This is a great museum. I have seen many all over the world. This is special...
Excellent! Real touch of class ... I'm very proud to say I'm from Dubuque, Iowa.
I've lived near the river all my life and it's great to have this place to honor it and its wonders. Awe-inspiring. The structure is
amazing ... I learned more here about the Mississippi than I ever did growing up in Eastern Iowa.
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MOUNT AYR
City Population: 1,882
Number of Projects: 2
• Ramsey Farm at Lesanville
• Mount Ayr Historic Square
Revitalization
Total Project Costs:
$ 839,005
Total Amount Awarded:
$190,000
The Ramsey Farm at Lesanville is a heritage farm and village of approximately 180 acres. This project will include the restoration of
the farm and village to what it would have been in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
"The CAT grant Is a fantastic source Of fundingfor a wide variety of community needs. Without the assistance from this
source our project at the Ramsey Farm Foundation could not have been completed. It is not only the funding but also the grant
process, support and knowledge that in this project any community can find assistance for its self-determined needs. "
-Philip Burmeister, President of the Ramsey Farm Foundation
According to an annual report the Ramsey Farm at Lesanville saw a dramatic Increase In visitors.
Year 1 120011450 visitors
Year 212002) 1,472 visitors
Year 31200312,120 visitors
(years run summer to summer)
An article in the Iowa Farmer Today, written by Debra Fiderlein, highlighted the efforts of Paul Ramsey in the restoration and
rebuilding of Ramsey Farm at Lesanville. Ramsey not only established the Ramsey Farm Foundation but also helped finance the
project. The article appropriately titled Childhood Memories, quotes Ramsey explaining his connection to the farm:
"I spent summers on the farm from the time I was 5 years old until I was about 15, so it's practically like a second home."
Later in the article Ramsey spoke about the community support for the project, "We're hoping the whole community can come
together with this hometown vision. The county Board of Supervisors, City Council, county ISU Extension and
many businesses have helped move the project forward."
"The improvements to the community as a part of the Mount Ayr Historic Square Revitalization project have added greatly to
the appearance of the community. Our long term plan is to continue the improvements such as antique lighting throughoutthe
community. This project has truly been a community project. Currently, the high school shop students are working on the Princess
Theatre as a part of their vocational studies. I'm pleased to see the community's dreams becoming reality"
- Mayor of Mount Ayr, Don Solliday
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M 0 U NT PLEASANT
City Population: 8,751
Number of Projects: 3
• Carousel Pavilion and
Events Facility
• Mt. Pleasant Library /
Community Center
• Food Service Building
Project
Total Project Costs:
$ 9.1 million
Total Amount Awarded:
$ 1.2 million
The Mt. Pleasant Library /Community Center Project was created through a partnership effort between the city, school district, library,
and community members.
The project consists of utilizing the former Mount Pleasant Community High School building to create a new public library and
community center. Major components of the facility include a 30,000-square-foot library and a refurbished auditorium.
Martha Wiley originally came up with the idea of using the old school building for the library/community center. She also led the
fundraising committee forthe project. She commented:
"This fundraising was multi-platform. We had things in the works at the state level, the county level, the city level; we were
approaching private groups ,service groups, sororities, individuals we knew loved libraries, individuals we knew loved theater,
individuals we knew loved the old high school, you name it."
-Martha Wiley, Community Leader
"Visitors to the annual ghost train event increased as a result of expanded facilities for use in food service and family gathering space.
Estimated increase: 1,500 people.
The newly constructed building will be located in McMillan Park, designed as an events park, owned by the City of Mountt Pleasant.
Midwest Old Threshers own the property surrounding McMillan Park on either side and has used McMillan Park for its reunion and
other large events throughout the history of the reunion. The addition of the new food service building will not effectively change the
use of the land upon which it is to be built, but rather, provide more marketable and efficient use of the expanded facility.
Midwest Old Threshers is economically accessible to persons of all income levels. These VISItorS are drawn by the eVentS~
affordable prices and family oriented attractions."
- Lennis Moore, Midwest Old Threshers
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SIOUX CITY
R City Population: 85,013
Number of Projects: 2
• The Climbing Wall
• River's Edge
- Tyson Events Center
- Lewis and Clark
Interpretive Center
-Ground Transportation Center
Total Project Costs:
$ 70.3 million
Total Amount Awarded
$ 21 million
In a letter to the Vision Iowa Board, City of Sioux City Mayor, Craig Berenstein, praises the development spurred by the Vision Iowa
investment in the Tyson Events Center and the Climbing Wall. An excerpt from the letter:
"Each component of the pr%ect has proven to be a great success. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center has had more
than 220,000 people visit the center since it opened in September 2002. There currently are plans to expand the center. The $3.3 million
project will more than double the size of the center, providing additional space for exhibits, programs and activities."
-City of Sioux City Mayor, Craig Berenstein
"These unique venues are what set us apart and makes us proud to call Sioux City home. Due to the vision you
have shown, we have something that is far beyond normal. It's not just another climbing wall, it's 'The Wall' that immediately strikes
everyone who sees it with awe."
-Pat McElroy, of the Long Line Family Rec Center
"The Vision Iowa Grant for the Tyson Event Center opened the door to opportunities for Sioux City to host events such as the NAIA
Women's Division 2 Basketball National tournament, the NAIA Wrestling Championship as well as numerous musical performers.
Sioux City has become a hub for entertainment in the tri-state area. Climbers young and old can be found most
weekends at the Climbing Wall, a recipient of a CAT grant. This unique wall was constructed in the refurbished building adjacent to the
Event Center. "
- Dr. Carolyn Rants, Vision Iowa Board Member and long time resident of Sioux City
The construction of the Tyson Events Center has leveraged additional development* in the area such as:
• Construction of a new marina and restaurant on the Missouri River
• Construction of a hotel/convention center at the same site will begin in 2006.
• An existing downtown hotel has been completely re-modeled and refurbished
• A new twelve theater Cineplex has been completed in the "Historic 4th Street" area of downtown Sioux City. Construction of the
theater area included a re-alignment of 4th Street that has changed the streetscape entrance to the 4th Street District. New trees
and pedestrian walkways are now part of the streetscape.
* reported by the award recipient as a part of an annual report
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