The Main Street Iowa Programs in Newton and Colfax have reached new levels of private investment. This past Wednesday in Jefferson, the Iowa Economic Development Authority recognized these two local communities and five others for their ongoing commitment to revitalization, economic growth and historic preservation. Director of Iowa Economic Development and Iowa Finance Authority Debi Durham says Newton’s Main Street Program has hit $20 million in private investment within the city’s Main Street District and Colfax has hit the $10 million mark. Newton was accepted into the Main Street Program in 2014, while Colfax has been in the program since 2009.

There are more than 50 Main Street Iowa communities working to rehabilitate, revitalize, and preserve their downtowns and traditional commercial districts.