ITC Midwest Awards $5,000 Grant to Support Baxter’s 21st Century Comprehensive Plan
August 5, 2025 | ITC Midwest
BAXTER, Iowa (August 5, 2025) — ITC Midwest has awarded a $5,000 Power of Connection grant to the City of Baxter to support the development of a new 21st Century Comprehensive Plan. This funding will help replace the city’s outdated plan and guide future growth and development in the community.
In 2024, Baxter was recognized by Iowa State University as one of the most engaged small towns in the state of Iowa. Building on the momentum from Baxter’s strong participation in the 2024 Community Visioning Program, a new plan will serve as a roadmap for land use, housing, infrastructure, and capital improvements. The new plan will also strengthen the city’s ability to align priorities, pursue development opportunities, and secure future funding.
“Baxter is ready to take the next step in shaping its future,” said City Administrator Lucas Battani. “A modern comprehensive plan will help us grow smartly, attract investment, and meet the evolving needs of our residents.”
The city has received three proposals for the planning project, ranging from $4,000 to $23,000, providing flexibility based on available funding. The new plan will reflect the community’s vision and ensure Baxter remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work, and visit.
“The 21st Century Comprehensive Plan is a forward-looking initiative that will benefit the entire Baxter community,” said ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry. “By supporting this effort, we’re helping to lay the groundwork for thoughtful development and long-term success.”
About the Power of Connection Program
The Power of Connectioncommunity grant program is an initiative of ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC). This innovative economic development program is designed to pair rural communities seeking assistance with IRDC resource teams. Those teams drive both community conversations and solution development for problems or projects.
Communities eligible for the Power of Connection program must have populations of under 10,000 and be outside of a metropolitan area. Power of Connectiongrant dollars cannot be used for construction, real estate or equipment.
About ITC Midwest
ITC Midwest LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. ITC Midwest is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and maintains regional operating facilities in Dubuque, Iowa City and Perry, Iowa; and Albert Lea and Lakefield, Minnesota. For further information visit www.itcmidwest.com. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.
Media Contacts:
Bill Menner, Executive Director, Iowa Rural Development Council
director@iowardc.org or 641-990-4757
Darcy Moulin, Lead Communications Specialist, ITC Midwest
dmoulin@itctransco.com or 319-297-6837