by Whitney Flach
Today, the new greenhouse near Ottumwa, Iowa was dedicated. This greenhouse, will expand work opportunities for people with disabilities and increase local food options all throughout southeast Iowa.
The four-bay hydroponic greenhouse, is operated by Tenco Inc. Tenco Inc, is a non-profit corporation which sells produce to surrounding stores and restaurants. The large 88-foot by 128-foot, greenhouse received a $70,000 USDA Rural Development business grant that assisted with purchasing various pieces of equipment for the facility.
Bill Menner, USDA Rural Development State Director in Iowa said, ?Helping leaders in communities such as Ottumwa identify ways to improve quality-of-life opportunities for all rural Iowans is an important emphasis at USDA Rural Development.” Menner continued by saying, “We are very happy to be a partner with all the communities we serve as they work hard to make investments that will impact many future generations.?
USDA Rural Development?s funding continues to have a dramatic impact on rural communities across Iowa. In Iowa this past year, they have helped aid 2,400 families in buying their own homes, created more than 1,000 jobs, and assisted more than 60 communities as they made improvements to their facilities, services and infrastructures.
