The cities of Wellman and Keota are getting aid for city projects thanks to a government grant. The Community Development Block Grants were awarded through the Iowa Economic Development Authority to help communities with infrastructure and housing development projects.

Keota was awarded $300,000 toward an estimated $3 million project for a sewer plant upgrade that’s mandated by the Department of Natural Resources. The city is attempting to lower the total cost of the program. City Clerk Niki Osweiler said they have submitted a revised design to the DNR, which would make it cost closer to $2 million. Wellman was awarded $500,000 toward a project.

The IEDA awarded $19.6 million to 59 community investment projects, including those in Wellman and Keota. There were 124 applicants for the funds, and the grants were awarded based on overall need and commitment of local resources to the project.