CEDAR FALLS - The Cedar Valley is in the running for being named an Iowa Great Place.

The designation, made by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, recognizes communities willing to work together to increase quality of life.

Six communities have been named finalists, including a joint application for the Cedar Valley Alliance, consisting of Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Evansdale.

The Cedar Valley proposal focuses on strengthening connections with the Cedar River through environment, culture, recreation and economic development. It stresses a desire to increase usage of the river and riverfront.

In the past, communities recognized as Great Places also benefited from grant money.

The Cedar Valley's river lends itself to river projects. For example, Cedar Falls would like to target the Washington Park renovation and rebuilding the Island Park boathouse.

The Great Places advisory board and staff tour the finalist communities later this month to determine readiness to move forward.

Announcement of 2009 Iowa Great Places will be Oct. 16 at a banquet in Des Moines.

The other communities include Iowa City/Coralville/North Liberty; Tama County; Marion; the Turkey River corridor including Elkader, Clermont and Elgin; and the villages of Van Buren County.