The state of Iowa recently announced another $14.1 million in grants through the Destination Iowa program for projects that will improve the quality of life in communities and attract visitors and new residents. The $100 million program, announced in April, is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

In the latest round of Destination Iowa program funding, four projects were awarded grants:

• $5 million to the Hoover Presidential Foundation for an overhaul of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, and the addition of 2,250 square feet for updated and interactive displays. The award represents 25% of the total project cost of about $20.3 million.

• $4 million to the Webster County Conservation Board and the city of Fort Dodge for the development of the Central River District Park and Discovery Center. The $19.9 million center will offer meeting space, indoor and outdoor classrooms, a large interpretive center, and a scenic overlook of the Des Moines River. It also includes a stormwater treatment wetland, and in-stream recreational features, such as a whitewater drop, fishing pools and access points.
  
• $4.5 million to Mason City and Cerro Gordo County for projects to build trails and a bike park to make the area a mountain biking destination. The more than $11.8 million project will also help connect the trail system in northern Iowa.
  
• $600,000 to Cinema Paradiso LLC to renovate an occupied building in Davenport into a two-screen movie theater called the Last Picture House. The $3.7 million project will also create a social lounge, cocktail bar and a rooftop bar at the site.