www.iowagreatplaces.gov

Gov. Terry Branstad signed proclamations today honoring Hamilton-Webster Counties and Danish Villages-Elk Horn & Kimballton as Iowa’s newest Great Places communities.

The proclamation recognizes the communities for cultivating the unique and authentic qualities that make them special. Today’s proclamation signings direct the Department of Cultural Affairs to work with these communities on the projects outlined in their proposals and work plans.

“With these proclamations, the state officially honors the efforts of these communities,” Governor Branstad said. “These communities have proposed projects that build their cultural infrastructure, create jobs, and enhance quality of life opportunities that retain Iowa’s young persons and attract new residents of all ages.”

Following are summaries of each community’s proposals:

Danish Villages-Elk Horn & Kimballton
The Danish Villages-Elk Horn & Kimballton will become known as a model green community, based on practices currently used in Denmark. The community’s proposal focuses on its “bridge from the past,” showcasing the authentic Danish Wind Mill, Danish Immigrant Museum and Little Mermaid attractions. The proposal includes building the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park at the museum site; a multi-use Danish Villages Conference Center, Fire Station and green Energy Academy; and the Little Mermaid Recreational Trail and Park Improvements with public art focusing on the works of Hans Christian Andersen.

Hamilton-Webster Counties
“Where the Rivers Run Wild” – Hamilton-Webster Counties are focusing on the area’s recreational benefits. Their proposal includes The Fort Dodge Trails & Riverfront project, which includes a three-mile hard surface trail along the Des Moines Riverfront in Fort Dodge; the Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park expansion and 25-site campground with two family camping cabins; a Fort Dodge Downtown Plaza that connects trails and the pedestrian loop to the future Community Festival Lawn; a 14,400-square-foot Outdoor Convention Center in the Briggs Wood Recreation Area; and a 21,456-square-foot regional Brushy Creek Environmental/Education Center located in the heart of Brushy Creek State Recreational Area.

Adams County, Clinton, Coon Rapids, Dubuque, Fairfield, Guttenberg, Jackson County, Mason City, and Sioux City

DES MOINES - Governor Chet Culver today praised a new economic impact report that shows most of Iowa’s first nine Great Places are outperforming their peer communities in Iowa and across the Midwest.

“This report is a clear indication that the Iowa Great Places program is achieving results for Iowans in terms of economic development, job growth and quality of life issues,” Culver said. “I congratulate and applaud Iowa’s Great Places for the work they have accomplished and I urge them to continue to build on their success.”

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The Department of Cultural Affairs today announced six Iowa communities have been named finalists for the 2010 Iowa Great Places program.

The Iowa Great Places Citizen Advisory Board and DCA staff will conduct site visits Sept. 20-21, 2010, to Albia, Elk Horn, Lamoni, Manchester and Vinton, and to Webster/Hamilton counties. Iowa’s newest Great Places will be announced Oct. 22, 2010, in Des Moines.

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