Western Iowa Networks supports Breda Pool Project

For over 50 years, the Breda municipal pool has served as a key quality of life factor for area residents of all ages. However, an engineering assessment identified significant damage requiring renovation to keep the facility operational. The cost of these renovations will be aided in part by $360,000 in funding provided by Western Iowa Networks (WIN).

WIN, a local independent telecommunications company headquartered in Breda, IA, received a $300,000 USDA Rural Economic Development Grant award for the project. Additionally, WIN provided $30,000 as part of the match requirement for the USDA award. WIN also sponsored an application to the Aureon Ripple Effect Grant program, which provided $30,000, to make $360,000 available to the project. The grant awards received by WIN from Ripple Effect and USDA have allowed the company to establish a revolving loan fund.

“The Beda pool is more than a community attraction that increases quality of life factors for local residents. It contributes to the overall identity of the community, sense of pride and social cohesiveness of the area,” noted Western Iowa Networks CEO Jeff Roiland. “Western Iowa Networks is committed to the communities, residents and businesses we serve, which is why we are pleased to help support this project.”

The Breda pool has overwhelming community support in the town of approximately 500 residents. A survey commissioned by city officials garnered more than 300 responses and when asked if operating a swimming pool was important to Breda’s economy 91% of respondents answered “YES”. Renovations are currently underway with plans to reopen during the 2021 summer season.

“The City of Breda’s swimming pool is a much loved and valuable part of the community. The renovation of the pool has been a large financial undertaking, especially during a pandemic.  The City is grateful to receive this award from the USDA, through Western Iowa Networks and Ripple Effect, to help cover costs until fundraising goals can be met. It will provide needed financial relief as the pool project gets finished up, as well as an added benefit of getting the revolving loan fund started for future projects,” said council member Sam Pietig.