Update: IEDA award helps Bussey pickleball court reach goal

Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board awarded a Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant to the city of Bussey for a public pickleball court. 

The $9,780 grant will support construction of the court in a city-owned park. The project will include site development, grading, installation of the court base and playing surface, and perimeter fencing. The total project cost is $37,780. 

Bussey City Clerk Nicole Beary tells the Express that with the CAT grant and $5,000 promised from the Marion County Board of Supervisors, the committee has now reached its fundraising goal to build the court. 

The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval. 

Since fiscal 2001, 631 CAT awards have provided more than $229 million in state funding, leveraging $1.9 billion in direct project investment. Communities of all sizes have benefited from the program, with 307 communities across 98 counties receiving CAT funding.