KEOKUK - Keokuk Southeast Iowa Regional Riverboat Commission (Keokuk SIRRC) is pleased to announce four grant recipients representing its inaugural round of funding. A total of $245,604 was awarded to projects that showed significant strategic planning, long-term improvement and meaningful impact on the community, its residents and visitors to the area.
An award of $100,000 was given to America’s First Great Dam Foundation, Inc. for improving the structure and appearance of the south wall of their building on Main Street and repairing the front façade. This award is contingent on following City and Main Street Keokuk design guidelines and requirements.
The roof replacement project at the Hoerner YMCA received a $65,000 award. Phase 1 will target the front entry and adjoining L-roof. It will include a completely new commercial roof system, upgraded insulation and a 15-year manufacturer’s water-tight warranty.
Keokuk Parks Foundation/Friends of the Verity received $30,604 to ensure the George M. Verity River Museum remains a viable tourist destination and celebrates its historically-significant 100th Anniversary in 2027.
The Keokuk Union Depot Foundation was awarded $50,000 to use toward implementation of a historically appropriate exterior hardscape restoration plan. The plan addresses safety and drainage issues of the area outside of the building and adheres to Historic Preservation Standards.
Twelve applications were reviewed and SIRRC President Joe Steil commented, “The committee appreciates the efforts of all applicants. It is obvious that there are great things happening in this area. Our decisions were based upon applications that could show a long-range plan for improvements - 10, 20, or more years from now.”
He added “It is our desire to help make big things happen in Southeast Iowa. In an effort to encourage more comprehensive projects, applications required a minimum request of $25,000 per award cycle.” Multiple-year requests could be submitted if projects were significant and could be funded over more than one year. A minimum of $25,000 per year is required on a multi-year application.
Funds are limited by the amounts received from the Southeast Iowa Regional Riverboat Commission (Regional SIRRC), which is the nonprofit sponsor of the license for Great River Casino Resort, formerly Catfish Bend Casino.
The next round of applications is planned for late 2026 or early 2027.
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