Projects in Progress

Text Box: Projects in Progress
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	Chariton Valley Planning and Development Council works with the counties and communities in Appanoose, Lucas, Monroe, and Wayne. Through creative visioning and sharing of resources, the council implements programs and projects that advance the quality of life and sustainability of the Chariton Valley region in south central Iowa.
	Historic Hills Corridor: The Historic Hills Corridor is sponsored by the Chariton Valley Transportation and Planning Affiliation, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Iowa Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration and is assisted by Chariton Valley Planning and Development. Project partners include regional tourism and economic development organizations from the counties of Appanoose, Clarke, Davis, Decatur, Lucas, Monroe, Van Buren, Wapello, and Wayne.
	Destination Tourism Marketing Partnership with Iowa State University: Recognizing that the visitor economy is an important component to southern Iowa’s wealth, the Council has established an economic development district for tourism in partnership with the Iowa Departments of Economic Development and Transportation known as Historic Hills. The multi-county district has branded and trademarked its moniker and logo, created a website (www.historichills.com), installed common landscaping and gateway signs in 39 community entrances, and developed a five-year strategic plan. As a part of the strategic plan for marketing, Iowa State University has incorporated into its course catalog for Fall 2007 three classes that focus on: 1) development of strategic marketing concepts; 2) creation and design of advertising media; 3) evaluation of advertising alternatives as compared with budgetary constraints. The courses are focusing exclusively on the Historic Hills’ advancement. The partnership is resulting in high-quality, creative marketing products while surprising young adults in the classroom that there are remarkable quality of life and recreation features available right here in Iowa. Visit the Iowa Department of Tourism website at www.iowatourism.com.
	Chariton Valley Transportation Planning Affiliation Chariton Valley Transportation Planning Affiliation was created in 1992 and sets transportation policies and priorities for the counties of Appanoose, Clarke, Davis, Lucas, Monroe, Wayne, and Wapello. Regional transportation plan presented to IDOT Commissioners
	Universal Preschool for Centerville Community School District: Chariton Valley Planning and Development Council was approached by the school district and community development leaders to plan for and implement universal preschool for four-year olds. Acting as facilitator and team lead, Chariton Valley Planning and Development Council initiated community workshops with parents, district staff, preschools, day care providers, and state and local agencies to determine how to provide no cost tuition and a standardized curriculum for all four-year old children. A strategy, created and brokered by the Council, resulted in a mutually advantageous agreement where existing preschools are partnering with the district to roll out a voluntary preschool program by October 26, 2007.
	APNC Railroad Recovery: Chariton Valley Planning and Development has been working with Appanoose County Community Railroad for the last two years to develop a plan of action and funding sources for their extensive infrastructure repairs. As of August 2009 CVPD has helped secure over $2M with local, state, and federal funds.
	Community Development Block Grants: Awards grants to communities as grantees to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services. Currently CVPD has projects in place with: Centerville, Iowa; Golfview, Appanoose County, Iowa; Moulton, Iowa; Mystic, Iowa; Promise City, Iowa; And Seymour, Iowa.
	Mass Layoff Recovery Assistance: Following mass layoffs of 800 plus employees in Appanoose County in Fall 2006, due to the out-of-state movement of Newell-Rubbermaid and Knight Rifle, the Council acted in cooperation with the economic development corporation, state officials, and federal agencies. Following prioritization of infrastructure improvements necessary to recruit replacement industries, the Council targeted financial aid for rail infrastructure rehabilitation by consulting with federal granting agencies, preparing grant applications, securing environmental clearances, and collecting federal assurances from viable replacement industries.