The Iowa Economic Development Authority board awarded financial assistance to seven companies for job creation and expansion projects.

The awards will assist in the creation of 323 new jobs and the retention of 214 existing jobs, and will account for $71 million of new capital investment to the state.

The board approved assistance for planned or proposed projects located in Oskaloosa, Polk County, Dyersville, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Urbandale and Sioux City.

“(The) action by the board shows strong and steady movement towards our job creation goals,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. “We continue to see companies choosing Iowa as the place to grow their business.”