United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a $1.4 billion investment to help rural America keep resources and wealth at home through job training, business expansion and technical assistance.

In south central Iowa, the Pella Cooperative Electric Association will use a $300,000 grant from the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program to replenish the association’s revolving loan fund, which will facilitate construction of a women’s assisted living home for adults with disabilities.

Across Iowa, USDA invested in 17 projects—$17,343,536 in loans and $1,345,465 in grants.