Some 850 jobs will be lost as Electrolux closes its factories in Jefferson and Webster City. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says a quarter-million dollar federal grant is on the way for the communities. The grant would help economic development leaders in north central Iowa to attract new businesses and create jobs.

The Regional Innovation Grant application was submitted to the Department of Labor last February. Senator Grassley also requested the Department of Labor to consider all additional requests for assistance including a national emergency grant or a request for trade adjustment assistance to help workers and provide assistance to those affected by the closing of the Electrolux plants. The application for the Regional Improvement Grant was approved Thursday afternoon with more details to be released by regional economic development officials.

Contributed by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City