Destination Iowa is a $100 million investment with the goal of bolstering the quality of life and attracting tourists in the state’s cities and towns. Last Thursday, Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority announced that $15 million will be invested in rural Iowa, with many area counties and organizations receiving funds.

One such award was designated to Jefferson County in the amount of $450,000, with the funds expected to go towards a new campground. The money represents 39% of the total project investment of $1,166,430.

Director for Jefferson County Conservation, Shawn Morrissey, spoke with KCII about what this means for the county. “I think it’s going to end up being a good thing for the community. A lot of people worked on it here. The board of supervisors are obviously a very important part of this and they’re also helping with some funding that matches the 450,000 [dollars]. Ultimately it will be a new campground in Jefferson County Park that will be open to the public for many years.”

Morrissey went on to say that he was a little surprised to receive the award, but excited to escalate planning and work on the project. It is anticipated that the entire process will take several years to be completed.