Percival Scientific in Perry received $2 million in funding for an expansion project through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.

In Iowa alone, $16.8 million is being invested in rural communities throughout 25 projects estimated to create more than 200 jobs. The REDLG program provides zero-percent loans to rural telephone cooperatives, municipal utilities, and supporting organizations. Minburn Communications and Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) each received $1 million in funding to assist Percival Scientific purchase equipment and expand their Perry facility. The project is expected to add 12 new jobs. 

Percival President Gary Wheelock described the impact this funding will make, “The decision to move forward with the building expansion, especially during these very uncertain economic times, was made easier in that Percival was awarded two $1 million, zero-percent interest loans through the USDA REDLG program. It really helped us get to a point where we’re ready to move forward because, without these funds, we may not have proceeded at this time.”

Wheelock adds he hopes they can begin construction soon and have everything up and running next summer.