WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Financial relief is coming to a Northeast Iowa school district inundated by floodwaters this summer.

Dike-New Hartford will receive a $150,000 grant to help reconstruction efforts at the elementary and junior high in New Hartford. The funding will pay some of the cost of new flooring in the gymnasium and throughout the school, new cabinets and countertops and other damaged items.

Superintendent Lindsey Beecher said the money is needed as the district continues to recover. Administrators and volunteers launched improvement projects to get the school ready for students, but repairs are ongoing.

"We were very happy to hear the news," Beecher said.

Sen. Chuck Grassley announced Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Rural Development awarded $945,000 to Iowa. The Community Facility Grant Program provides financial assistance to develop of essential assets in rural areas and towns with populations of less than 20,000.

"Natural disasters devastated Iowa this year, and these funds will help continue the rebuilding process," Grassley said in a prepared statement.

Corning and Little Sioux Scout Ranch will also receive money. A $525,000 grant will help Corning construct a fire station, and a $270,000 grant will help Boy Scouts of America construct fortified storm shelter facilities at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch. A tornado June 11 killed four Scouts at the camp, and destroyed buildings and more than 200 acres of trees.

Contact Karen Heinselman

at (319) 291-1581 or

karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.