Polk County announces $1 million board grant toward new Italian cultural center in Des Moines

Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair Matt McCoy announced at a Des Moines groundbreaking that the county board provided a $1,000,000 grant to support a new Italian cultural center and that Polk County has supported the project with "over $1,200,000 in funding."

McCoy, speaking at the ceremony, said the funding has gone to "purchasing building essentials, roof repairs and investing in modern video monitoring to ensure safety and security for all those that will gather here." He called the facility "more than just bricks and mortar," saying it will be "a vibrant hub where generations will come together to celebrate the Italian language, art, music, food, and values."

The ceremony included acknowledgements of elected and county officials. McCoy thanked a governor and "Mayor Bose" for their support and introduced fellow board members, naming Jill Altringer as "our vice chair," as well as Mark Holm and Angela Connolly. He also noted the presence of County Administrator Frank Rasco. McCoy thanked local organizers and donors, including Pat Civitat for artifact preservation, a fundraiser identified as "Jeff," and the Lamberti family.

McCoy placed the center in a longer local and family history, recalling immigrant ancestors who worked in mines and small businesses and saying his great-grandfather came from Italy to "make a better life" for his family. He shared a personal anecdote about learning to play bocce ball at local venues and expressed hope future generations would use the center.

The remarks did not include a formal motion, vote or an explanation of future administrative steps; the transcript does not state whether the larger "over $1,200,000" figure is distinct from or inclusive of the $1,000,000 board grant announced at the start of the event. McCoy closed by saying he was "very, very pleased" to be part of the day and thanked attendees.