Governor Kim Reynolds announced $100 million investment to bolster the quality of life in Iowa’s communities and attract visitors and new residents to the state

Waterloo, IA – According to the state officials, the new effort is reportedly called Destination Iowa.

State officials said that it will provide grants to help communities move forward on transformational, shovel-ready attractions. 

Cities, counties, nonprofits and other organizations can apply for Destination Iowa grants from four separate funds: Economically Significant Development, Outdoor Recreation, Tourism Attraction, and Creative Placemaking. 

Destination Iowa will provide new opportunities to create and invest in attractions that will raise Iowa’s profile, welcome out-of-state travelers, and increase visitor spending while accelerating tourism’s recovery.

Governor Kim Reynolds released the following statement:

“Communities in all corners of the state are creating unique destinations that give visitors a reason to explore and residents a reason to stay.

Destination Iowa will help more communities across the state move forward in their efforts to boost tourism and economic growth while enhancing the quality of life for Iowans.

Destination Iowa will inspire the kinds of attractions that Iowans take pride in and that will raise the positive profile of our state well beyond our borders.”

Applications will be accepted starting May 9 and the funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2026, officials said.

For more information, visit Iowaeda.com/Destination-Iowa/. 

This is a developing story and it will be updated as new information become available.