WEST BRANCH, Iowa – A major modernization project in the works at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum here received an economic boost last week from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).
The Hoover Presidential Foundation was awarded a $400,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant by the IEDA’s board. The state funding will go toward the $13.7 million redesign of the 60-year-old library and museum in Mr. Hoover’s hometown.
The project broke ground on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. It will expand the facility to allow for new exhibitions that emphasize Herbert and Lou Hoover’s contributions. Total cost of the project, first reported by the QCBJ in summer of 2022, is estimated at about $20 million, museum leaders previously said.
Iowa’s CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board, which approved this round of grants on March 21.
In a news release, IEDA said the modernized museum will have a national impact and described Iowa as one of only 10 states that host a presidential library and museum as well as one of two facilities located within a national park.
The Hoover library and museum, located in the heart of downtown West Branch, closed for construction in late January for the extensive renovations to begin. It is expected to reopen in the summer of 2026.
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site’s Research Room is not impacted by the closure. Researchers are welcome to use it to access the library’s holdings. An appointment is strongly encouraged, and researchers should email [email protected] or call the library at (319) 643-5301 in advance of their visit.
Other IDEA awards
In addition to the West Branch project, Polk County was awarded a $50,000 Sports Tourism grant to bring the national Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts Fight Night to Des Moines’ Wells Fargo Arena.
That funding recommendation, made by the Sports Tourism Review Committee, also was approved Friday by the IEDA Board along with other assistance for private companies and startups.
IEDA said companies established in Ankeny and Cedar Rapids will receive High Quality Jobs HQJ incentives, which will assist in the creation of 16 jobs and $72.7 million in new capital investment for the state. In addition, the board approved assistance for startups in Ames, Coralville and Fairfield.
Here’s a look at other IEDA awards:
- Mrs. Clark’s Foods, which manufactures liquid food products including juices, salad dressing, mayonnaise and barbecue sauce, plans to construct a 90-000-square-foot building at its Ankey operations and purchase new equipment to accommodate an additional line. The project represents a $25.7 million capital investment and is expected to create 12 jobs, of which one is incented at a qualifying wage of $35.71 per hour. The board awarded the company tax benefits through the HQJ program.
- Ingredion will construct a new facility in Cedar Rapids also with help from HQJ tax benefits. The ingredients solution company makes sweeteners, starches, nutrition ingredients and biomaterials used in everyday products from foods and beverages to paper and pharmaceuticals. Ingredion will construct a new 9,000-square-foot facility with electrical upgrades and additional equipment for a corn starch dryer, storage and bulk loading process. The $47 million capital investment is expected to create four jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $32.64 per hour.
Three startups funded
These startups also will receive various awards through IDEA:
- Ames-based Janas Materials, Inc. develops sustainable technology for the coating industry that improves the appearance and application of wood stains. The company was awarded a $100,000 Demonstration Fund loan for product refinement, key personnel and equipment for product development of a new additive for water-based stains.
- Poultry Patrol, Inc., based in Coralville, created a poultry tending robot to stimulate bird movement in turkey barns and alert farmers of spills, health and maintenance. The robot’s support in the animal husbandry process keeps the turkeys healthier and saves farmers time and money. The company was awarded a $50,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR) loan for key personnel and proof of concept work.
- Fairfield-based Better Natural, LLC, developed technology to integrate roof sheathing, roof cover and solar energy in one single layer thus lowering the manufacturing and installation costs. It was awarded a $50,000 POCR loan for key personnel and equipment.
Award recommendations for these funds are made by the state’s Technology Commercialization Committee and approved by the IEDA Board.
Earlier this month, the IEDA also approved assistance from Iowa’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Innovation Fund for the Clive-based startup MOD Advisor, Inc. The company was awarded a $250,000 Innovation Acceleration Launch Fund loan for proof of concept work, product refinement, key personnel and market planning and entry activities.
MOD Advisor is a cutting-edge work comp claims analysis software that automates the process for insurance brokers and carriers. The software helps businesses make an instant decision on claims with a more efficient and simplified real-time analysis between policyholder, broker and carrier. The SSBCI Review Committee reviewed eligible applications in early March.
