The YMCA of Washington County has just received a funding boost for their new Washington Community Y.

The YMCA was awarded a $500,000 Community Attraction and Tourism grant from the Enhance Iowa program for the phase one building project. The total projected cost of the project is $8,913,077 for a new two-story building that includes a gym, youth and adult community rooms, locker rooms, two new wellness rooms, strength and weight rooms, fitness rooms, and a spinning room. There will also be several multi-purpose spaces and an elevated walking track on the second floor. YMCA of Washington County CEO Amy Schulte comments on receiving the grant, “We’re just really honored and I just feel so happy that all the hard work that everyone has put into this has paid off and we’re ready to move on to the next step.”

The Washington Y has already raised $7.9 million in private donations and grants. Work on the new facility to be located on West 5th Street in Washington is expected to begin this fall.