Two different state agencies will help two projects in southeast Iowa become a reality.
DEPOT
The Iowa Transportation Commission has approved a $400,000 grant for Fort Madison. They money will be used to help pay for the construction of a passenger platform at the historic downtown train depot.
The platform is a requirement for Amtrak to relocate from its 20th Street location to the depot in Riverview Park. The city hopes to begin construction this summer.
The project is expected to cost about $1.45 million.
The grant through the Iowa Department of Transportation brings the total amount the city has received in state and federal grants to about $1.1 million. Amtrak will contribute $150,000 and the city will cover the rest of the cost.
PICKLEBALL
The Enhance Iowa Board has awarded the Keokuk Parks Foundation a grant worth more than $16,000.
The foundation plans to use the money to transform a vacant, run-down tennis court on North 5th Street into six pickleball courts. The only other courts in Keokuk are indoor courts at the YMCA.
The total cost of the project is about $111,000. The rest of the money will come from public donations, a grant from AARP, and city contributions.
The parks foundation hopes to eventually hold tournaments at the site. It also plans to offer lessons there, with equipment available for rental from the Keokuk Public Library.
