CEDAR RAPIDS — A KCRG-TV9 investigation found only about a third of the money meant to boost local businesses actually made it to those stores during a construction-impacted period in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village and New Bo districts.

Instead, ,

The Czech Village New Bo Self-Supported Municipal District (SSMID) spent more than $5,300 to run the Cone Zone Cash program but only paid back about $4,800 to businesses, according to open records obtained by KCRG-TV9.

Construction prompted gift certificate program

In summer 2024, construction hit the New Bo area of Cedar Rapids. Cones and fencing blocked parking and made it difficult for customers to reach businesses.

The Ideal Theater and Bar told TV9 its sales plummeted about 80 percent during the construction period.

“The first week of thi

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