The City of Jefferson is applying for a new grant through the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, the Council approved a resolution to apply for a Community Catalyst Remediation Grant. Jefferson Building Official Nick Sorensen tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the City is applying for the maximum amount of $100,000 with the grant, while also matching $150,000. He says the City is trying to assist a Des Moines developer who wants to bring a business to Jefferson.

The buildings the developer is wanting to renovate are at 204 and 206 East State Street. The total estimated project cost is $1.7 million. Sorensen pointed out to the Council that the City’s $150,000 match for the grant was only 8.6-percent of the total estimated cost. The developer is also looking at historical tax credits, since the building is located in the historical downtown district with Jefferson Matters: Main Street, to make up a majority of the project cost.

Sorensen says the deadline for the grant is March 1st and the City will be notified whether or not they receive the grant by late spring.