Washington County Riverboat grants announced

With 47 applications on the books, the Washington County Riverboat Foundation announced grant awards for five organizations Wednesday night, totaling $1.35 million in community project funding.

In a change from precedent, Foundation President Shawn Ellingson also announced the money given to each recipient during the ceremony, a number usually reserved for a formal reception in November.

“A lot of these people have been waiting because we haven’t had a big grant cycle in a year and a half,” Ellingson said. “Last year we suspended our grants because we didn’t know what was going on with COVID, and because the casino had been closed for a period of time … we knew these people had projects that were getting going, so we wanted to be able to announce them quick, make sure they were aware that they are getting a grant, and then move forward.”

The city of Keota walked away with a $500,000 grant for its municipal pool project, enough to make a huge dent in the $1.2 million project.

“We are so thrilled to get this money for our pool,” Pool Board Member Karen Sypherd said. “With what we have fundraised, we’re really close … it’s doable. We’d like to thank the Riverboat for their generosity.”

Hospice of Washington County was another big winner of the night, receiving a $400,000 grant for its new building construction.

“The cost of the building, like everything else, the cost of labor and materials has gone up,” Executive Director Katrina Altenhofen said. “What we had tried to keep under a million dollar office project has become a little bit more … this just lets us breathe that much easier, lets us continue to provide for our patients with the quality and care that we want to without having to worry where that dollar’s coming from.”

Another $200,000 was awarded to Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research.

“We feel blessed and humble,” Field Agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe said. “It’s going to go toward a new research and learning center at the Southeast Research farm … We’re very thankful and we’re excited to be able to build this research and learning center.”

The Washington County Conservation Board received $100,000 for work on the Kewash Nature Trail.

“This is a game changer not only for this project but also setting up for future projects,” Conservation Director Zach Rozmus said. “We had already committed to having funds expended, but now having $100,000, that’s really going to supplement it … We’re well underway with construction, so you’re going to see right away that this money is put into action.”

Washington County Hospitals and Clinics received $150,000, though representatives were not immediately available for comment. Riverboat board members said the hospital planned to fund patient monitoring systems with the award.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com