ITC Midwest Contributes $2,500 to Support Elkader’s Hotel Feasibility Study and Community Development Planning

Elkader, IA (September 11, 2026) - ITC Midwest has contributed $2,500 through a Power of Connection grant to support the City of Elkader's evaluation of the feasibility of developing a new hospitality lodging project. The study will help community leaders understand market demand, financial viability and development options for a potential hotel or short-term lodging facility in Elkader.

The City of Elkader will enter into a 12-month contract with Hart Family Hotels to conduct a comprehensive feasibility analysis. The work will include preliminary financial projections, rough construction budgets, site selection review and evaluation of lodging models including branded versus independent concepts and traditional hotel versus short-term rental options. The study will also assess potential TIF and development incentives in coordination with the city.

"This grant will help Elkader take an important step toward planning for its future," said ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry. "By supporting this feasibility study, we are helping the community thoughtfully evaluate opportunities to strengthen local tourism, support economic growth and attract new investment."

For Elkader, this represents a renewed and more structured approach to a conversation that has been ongoing for more than 15 years and positions the community to make informed decisions about lodging needs and long-term economic vitality.

"As we explore the feasibility of a hotel project in Elkader, transparency and responsible planning are essential," said Maggie Sommers, Main Street Elkader Director. "This grant from ITC Midwest allows us to gather the data and insights needed to determine what type of lodging model best serves residents, visitors and the future of our community."

The Power of Connection grant will help offset the cost of this important work and support Elkader's broader efforts to strengthen local amenities, enhance tourism and expand economic development opportunities.

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
[email protected] or 641-990-4757

Darcy Moulin, Lead Communications Specialist, ITC Midwest
[email protected] or 319-297-6837