Restoring Downtown Waterloo
Restoration Investments
Others, including the City of Waterloo and the State of Iowa along with the Federal Government, are investing in downtown Waterloo. One of the most ambitious undertakings is Waterloo's $25 million River Renaissance Project.
Waterloo is one of the cities that received a prestigious Vision Iowa grant to help restore the downtown. That vision includes improving the dam on the Cedar River and constructing a children's pavilion, an amphitheater and a river walk system of bike trails in downtown. The City hopes to complete the $25 million project by 2012.
State Support
A portion of downtown Waterloo received a designation in 2005 from Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs as a Cultural Affairs and Entertainment District.
The state has also committed $3.2 million to the Cedar Valley TechWorks, a business incubator at the John Deere Westfield site, for developing the biotechnology industry in Iowa. Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack used the TechWorks as the "poster child" for Iowa's economic development fund called the "Iowa Values Fund."
Federal Support
Senator Tom Harkin has been responsible for many HUD grants to help local preservationists renovate the exterior of these wonderful historic buildings. The Black's Building was a recipient of one of these grants for $40,000.
Private Support
A substantial investment by the City demands a substantial investment by private citizens. Many others in downtown have pledged renovation and revitalization in support of the City's goal.
our priority for Waterloo, Iowa
Knowing the importance of a thriving downtown, revitalization of Downtown Waterloo is a priority for the City of Waterloo.
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