A local child care business is embracing new funds  they received from the latest federal infrastructure bill. 

Governor Kim Reynolds handed down $37 million to Iowa child daycare centers around Iowa and the Little Panther Daycare Center in Panora was one of the recipients of just a little over $230,000. Little Panther Daycare Center Director Page Arganbright says their waiting list is full so with this grant they are adding an additional 1,440 square foot facility that will open more slots. 

“So we did a survey, checked into the feasibility of adding, is there a need in Panora for additional room? And we feel there is. We’ll be adding 15 slots, so that probably isn’t going to clear our waiting list, but it’s going to make a big impact on it. So there’s definitely a need for this area for a quality daycare.”

Arganbright says this addition will allow for a new basement for storage and a storm shelter, extra bathroom and more spacing. She also adds this grant money will help with increased cost of materials and construction.