ITC Midwest Contributes $2,500 to Support Strategic Planning for Eldora Children’s Center

ELDORA, IOWA (Dec. 16, 2024) - ITC Midwest has announced a $2,500 contribution through a Power of Connection grant administered jointly with the Iowa Rural Development Council to the Eldora Children's Center, providing essential funding to support the center's relocation effort. The Eldora Children's Center has identified an alternate facility which they intend to purchase and renovate.

"We are grateful to ITC Midwest for their support, which will allow us to focus on the long-term sustainability of the Eldora Children's Center," said Hardin County Economic Development Director Deb Crosser. "Developing a strategic plan is essential to ensuring that we can continue serving the community and expanding opportunities for children."

This Power of Connection funds will cover soft costs associated with strategic planning, inspections of the new facility, and partnership with a licensed architect to ensure the new space is compliant. The success of this project will allow the Eldora Children's Center to provide childcare to more than 100 children in Hardin County and surrounding area.

"This strategic planning initiative will help the center expand its role in the community, especially by introducing STEM-focused programs that open doors for local children," said ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry. "At ITC Midwest, we believe in empowering communities through education and development, and we're excited to be part of this important step for the Eldora Children's Center."

By investing in the future of the Eldora Children's Center, ITC Midwest is contributing to both community support and economic development in the community of Eldora. This funding will help strengthen the center's programs and expand its role as a key resource for local families.

About the Power of Connection Program
The Power of Connection community grant program is an initiative of ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC). This innovative economic development program is designed to pair rural communities seeking assistance with IRDC resource teams. Those teams drive both community conversations and solution development for problems or projects.

Communities eligible for the Power of Connection program must have populations of under 10,000 and be outside of a metropolitan area. Power of Connection grant dollars cannot be used for construction, real estate or equipment.

About ITC Midwest
ITC Midwest LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation's largest independent electricity transmission company. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri, and holds utility status in Wisconsin. ITC Midwest is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and maintains regional operating facilities in Dubuque, Iowa City and Perry, Iowa; and Albert Lea and Lakefield, Minnesota. For further information visit www.itcmidwest.com. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.

Media Contacts:
Bill Menner, Executive Director, Iowa Rural Development Council
[email protected] or 641-990-4757

Darcy Moulin, Senior Communications Specialist, ITC Midwest
[email protected]or 319-297-6837