Officials with the Iowa Department of Economic Development say a number of area communities will receive funding to improve different facets of their towns.  Columbus City will get $229,000 and Wayland will see $255,000 for water distribution system improvements.  The city of Wellman has been awarded $500,000 for water system and sanitary sewer collection improvements.

The department will also help one town with rehabilitating apartments, as Lone Tree is to receive $225,000 to update six single-family apartment units.