Grinnell, Maquoketa and Waukon were among 18 Iowa communities that received first-quarter funding from a total of $6.18 million awarded by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.The Community Development Block Grants — funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — are for infrastructure, housing and transportation projects based on “the benefit to low- and moderate-income Iowans, financial need, project impact and readiness, and commitment of local resources to the project,” according to an IEDA news release on Tuesday.• Grinnell was awarded $391,495 for water treatment improvements.• Maquoketa received $600,000 for water plant improvements.• Waukon was given $253,000 for exterior improvement for housing rehabilitation.