Transportation Requests for the 2010 Transportation Bill

My job as your representative in Congress is to act as an advocate and a partner for the people of the 2nd Congressional District. I will fight for projects that benefit Iowa through investments in flood recovery, healthcare, education, infrastructure repair, public safety and national security. The following project requests are for the 2010 Transportation Bill.

Transparency and accountability are critical to ensure that taxpayers’ money is used responsibly.  I’ve supported extensive reforms to the appropriations process since I was elected to Congress, and I am posting my requests online so that Iowans can review the projects I have requested on their behalf. I look forward to continuing my work to bring economic growth to Eastern Iowa.


City/Entity: Area 15 Regional Planning Commission (Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren, Wapello, and Wayne County)
Amount: $9.5 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to construct the American Gothic Regional Trail which will be a 24 mile trail from Ottumwa to Fairfield through Eldon and Libertyville, Iowa. Specifically, the American Gothic Regional Trail will be a 10 foot wide multi-use trail for bicycling and walking which will have as its focal point, the American Gothic House and museum in Eldon. This project will create jobs and also encourage future economic development for the surrounding areas.

City/Entity: Cedar County Government
Amount: $3.2 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction of F44 (290th Street) from State Highway 38 east to X64 (Rose Avenue) in Cedar County. Currently the roadway is gravel and at times handles significant traffic when diverted from the interstate. The project would improve the safety and efficiency of the road.

City/Entity: City of Burlington
Amount: $3 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to replace the 113 year old Main Street Bridge over the Cascade Ravine in Burlington. Due to the age of the structure and safety concerns, the bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic since September 2008. The reopening of the bridge will allow for enhanced mobility and transportation options for numerous neighborhoods.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction and enhancement of 6th Street SW from American Drive to 76th Avenue SW. Specifically, the project will enhance the existing infrastructure through widening of the roadway and turn lanes in order to accommodate increased development and business/industrial traffic while also increasing safety. This project will create jobs and increase economic development opportunities for the area.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $536,800
Project Description: Funds will be used for the design and construction of capacity improvements on 6th Street SW by extending the dual northbound lanes further south of 60th Avenue. This project will also include enhanced traffic management and communication network for this industrial area improving safety and traffic flow for the heavy semi traffic. These improvements will allow for increased development in the area.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $5.6 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to widen and reconstruct 6th Street SW from US Hwy 30/151/218 north to Ingleside Drive SW. Specifically, this project will include reconstruction of a failing bridge, increasing traffic capacity, bringing the road to current safety standards, and raising the roadway above the 100-year floodplain. It will also create jobs and ensure continued access to this important industrial area during flood events.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $1.2 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction of 16th Ave. SW from West Post Road to west of Stoney Point Road in order to provide a continuous two-way left turn lane, new traffic signals, and sidewalks. This project will improve safety, reduce accidents, and also create jobs.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $1.2 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the extension of 18th Street SW from the main artery roads of Wilson Avenue SW to 16th Avenue SW.  This project will provide a convenient connection for residents to both Wilson Avenue and 16th Avenue in addition to creating jobs.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to continue the improvements made to 33rd Avenue SW which will extend the street and connect the business districts on 6th Street SW and Edgewood Road SW. This project will finish the continuous east-west transportation corridor along 33rd Avenue and provide residential and commercial traffic a more efficient route.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $2.4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction of 76th Avenue SW from Edgewood Blvd SW to Irish Drive SW to convert the road from gravel to pavement. The current gravel road does not support traffic levels and continued maintenance is required.  The project will also incorporate “complete street” planning such as pedestrian/trail accommodations in addition to enhancing economic development opportunities in the area.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $800,000
Project Description: Funds will be used to make improvements on C Avenue NE including pavement, traffic capacity and safety improvements from Revere Court to Sheffield Drive. This project will continue safety and capacity improvements already made to C Avenue NE and allow for enhanced access to various commercial areas.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $500,000
Project Description: Funds will be used to construct the first phase of the CEMAR trail from the Cedar Lake Loop Trail to 29th Street NE. This project will help expand the trail network and connect to an existing trail network for NE Cedar Rapids and Marion.  This will increase public access to Cedar Lake trails while saving and creating jobs.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $2.4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the design and construction of the second phase of the CEMAR trail from 29th Street NE to the Cedar Rapids city limits. The project will further expand the network of existing trails in Cedar Rapids to reach Marion and NE Cedar Rapids.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $52.8 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the design and reconstruction of Collins Road (Iowa Hwy 100) from the highway ramps at Center Point Road to Twixt Town Road.  Specifically this project will include improvements to the existing roadway and side streets, traffic capacity and safety improvements, and pedestrian accommodations. The project will enhance business and commuter traffic and create jobs while allowing for safe pedestrian travel on this major roadway.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $720,000
Project Description: Funds will be used for the Dry Creek Trail on the northeast side of Cedar Rapids which would connect the Cedar Valley Nature Trail (part of the American Discovery Trail) to the Boyson Trail in Marion.  Specifically this project would allow for the construction of the first phase of the trail from Boyson Road NE to Council Street NE.  This will increase public access to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount:  $28 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to construct a new bridge over the Cedar River on the south side of Cedar Rapids.  This project will provide an alternative Cedar River crossing for emergency vehicles and emergency access during flood events and improve access for neighborhoods north of Highway 30. In addition, the project will allow for the improvement of dangerous rail crossings. This project will create jobs and enhance the economic development opportunities for the area.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $15.2 million
Project Description: Funds would be used to raise the south approach to the Edgewood Drive Bridge in order to allow the road to remain open in a flood event. This project will improve emergency response, flood mitigation efforts, and public safety in a flood event by allowing for increased access through the city. This project will also provide permanent protection and access to one of the key water supply wells in the city and protect the Morgan Creek sanitary sewer lift station. This project will create jobs while ensuring the city is better prepared for future flood events.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $3.6 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to reconstruct Edgewood Road NW from F Avenue to O Avenue in order to provide vehicle capacity improvements and pedestrian enhancements. Edgewood Road is a major artery in the city and has significant traffic volumes through residential developments. This project would increase safety for vehicles and pedestrians.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $1.1 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to construct a pedestrian bridge over US Highway 30/151/218 in addition to connecting to the existing sidewalk/bikeway system on Edgewood Road SW. This project will connect neighborhoods to existing industrial developments allowing for safer pedestrian travel.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $128.4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for freeway upgrades and extension of Highway 100 which would continue the partially completed beltway system in Cedar Rapids and provide connections between other major highways. The project will reduce congestion on the existing transportation system and provide an alternative route for normal and emergency traffic when other conflicts occur. In addition, the extension will provide an additional crossing of the Cedar River during flood events and provide an efficient connection for the west side of Cedar Rapids to Interstate 380, and provide a better connection for the City’s northeast area, and the City of Marion.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $2 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to redesign and reconstruct the Miller Avenue SW at Kirkwood Boulevard SW intersection, reconfigure traffic control and provide for safety and pedestrian enhancements. This project will allow the existing highway interchange to operate more effectively and safely. The project will also work to better accommodate bicycles and pedestrians on the bridge crossing over the highway.  

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $960,000
Project Description: Funds will be used for the construction of the second phase of the Kirkwood Connector Trail from C Street SW to Kirkwood Blvd SW and along Kirkwood Blvd SW from 66th Avenue SW to 76th Avenue SW.  The project will provide for a 10-foot wide trail between the Kirkwood Community College campus to the Cedar River and American Discovery Trails.  

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $1.3 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction of the intersection of 19th Street SE and Mount Vernon Road SE in order to provide traffic safety and capacity enhancements. Specifically the project would reconfigure the intersection, add additional turn lanes, and improve traffic control timing. The project would additionally increase safety and efficiency on the roadway.

City/Entity: City of Cedar Rapids
Amount: $4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to conduct a study of alternatives for railway alignment within the core area of Cedar Rapids in order to mitigate train noise and congestion problems that exist in the Downtown Business District. Numerous rail system improvements have been proposed which need more detailed study to determine the feasibility of the various options and to help identify the costs and benefits of the different proposals.

City/Entity: City of Center Point
Amount: $1.8 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction and widening of Lewis Access Road from Interstate 380 north, through its intersection with Center Point Road. Specifically, the project will include the paving of a three lane section to include left turn lanes and the addition of right turn lanes to increase the safety of the roadway for residents. This project will create jobs and provide for enhanced traffic flow through the area.

City/Entity: City of Coralville
Amount: $11.4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the final design and construction of the Coralville Intermodal Facility in addition to the purchase of two public transit buses.  The completed transportation center will include resources for multiple modes of transportation and will include an interchange for Coralville Transit, park-and-ride commuter program, transit offices, child care center, and facilities for secured bicycle parking for bicycle commuters. This project will create jobs while also helping to transform a former industrial site into a multi-use development in the Iowa River Landing District.

City/Entity: City of Coralville
Amount: $10.8 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the design and construction of interstate interchange improvements to the existing Interstate 80 and First Avenue Interchange which will include a new loop ramp, additional turn lanes, pedestrian upgrades, improved traffic signals and other safety improvements. In addition, the project will create numerous jobs while also preparing the area for planned increased development and traffic at the Iowa River Landing District.

City/Entity: City of Fairfax
Amount: $473,600
Project Description: Funds will be used for the design and construction of a multi-use recreational trail from the intersection of US 151 and East Cemetery Road east to 80th Street, then north along 80th Street terminating at the intersection of 80th Street and US 151 in Fairfax, IA. This project will allow for a pedestrian connection from residential areas to the business and commercial areas in the city.

City/Entity: City of Fairfield
Amount: $2.2 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction of Iowa Highway 1 in Fairfield from the Highway 34 interchange north to Fillmore Avenue. Specifically, this project will allow for traffic efficiency and safety improvements while also improving the safety of pedestrians around the highway. The pedestrian improvements will allow for easier access for children to the multiple community facilities located along the highway.

City/Entity: City of Fort Madison
Amount: $1.5 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to rehabilitate and reconstruct the historic Fort Madison Depot Complex also known as the Atcheson, Topeka and Santa Fe Passenger Freight Complex. Specifically, the project will include protecting the structure from estimated 500 year flood levels and rehabilitating the Depot in order to allow Amtrak to serve the Depot. This project will create jobs and significantly expand the economic development opportunities of downtown Fort Madison.

City/Entity: City of Hiawatha
Amount: $5.2 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the construction of an interchange at Interstate 380 and Tower Terrace Road in Hiawatha. This project includes the construction of a new interchange with loop ramps, pedestrian access improvements, the widening of the existing Tower Terrace Road, and other safety improvements. This project will create jobs and enhance the economic development opportunities for the area while also alleviating dangerous congestion issues at another interchange near the proposed project area.  

City/Entity: City of Iowa City
Amount: $5.12 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the First Avenue/Iowa Interstate Railroad Grade Separation Project on First Ave. in Iowa City. This project will create jobs while also resolving significant delay and safety concerns in the First Avenue corridor in east Iowa City. Specifically the project includes the raising of the railroad tracks above First Avenue and creating an underpass for First Ave. vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

City/Entity: City of Iowa City
Amount: $25.6 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction and elevation of the Park Road Bridge and the reconstruction and elevation of approximately 3,500 feet of Dubuque Street between Interstate 80 and Ronalds Street.  According to the city, this project will create an anticipated 120 jobs over a three year period. In addition, the project will ensure the continued availability of use of the major Dubuque Street artery and Park Road Bridge during future flood events on the Iowa River.

City/Entity: City of Iowa City
Amount: $800,000
Project Description: Funds will be used for purchasing and rehabilitating the historic Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Passenger Station at 109 Wright Street. This project will help return the structure to its original purpose in anticipation of Amtrak service in Iowa City from Chicago. Passenger rail service from Iowa City to Chicago is a regional priority being pursued by the Iowa Department of Transportation, the Midwest Regional Rail Coalition, numerous local municipalities and business communities. Additionally, this project will enhance economic development opportunities for the city and help prepare for passenger rail service to Chicago for University of Iowa students and Iowa residents alike. Plans to expand service from Chicago to Iowa include continued service from the Quad Cities to Iowa City, Des Moines, and Omaha. In addition, this project is directly in line with the President’s strategic plan to expand passenger rail service in the United States.

City/Entity: City of Keokuk
Amount: $2 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction of Johnson Street Rd. between the US Highway 61 By-Pass and US Highway 218. Johnson Street Rd. serves as one of the main entrances into Keokuk’s industrial business area and handles a significant amount of heavy traffic. This project will help ensure continued safe and efficient traffic flow for this important area.

City/Entity: City of Keokuk
Amount: $2.7 million
Project Description: Fund will be used for the reconstruction of Grand Avenue, which is also part of the designated Scenic Byway Route, between River Road and 5th Street. The current roadway is in poor condition and serves as important gateway for the city given its role in the Scenic Byway Route along the Mississippi River.

City/Entity: City of Keokuk
Amount: $1.4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction of Carbide Lane between the US Highway 61 By-Pass and US Highway 218.  Carbide Lane serves as one of the main entrances into Keokuk’s industrial business area and handles a significant amount of heavy traffic. It is important to ensure this road in maintained in order to continue the safe and efficient operation of industrial traffic in the area.

City/Entity: City of Marion
Amount: $6 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the construction of Tower Terrace Road from 10th Street to Indian Creek Road in Marion and will also include the construction of a 400 foot bridge crossing Indian Creek. This project has been designated as a top priority by the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO) due to the projected traffic volumes and impact on congestion reduction at existing intersections. The project will create jobs and also allow for planned economic development along the new Tower Terrace Road corridor.

City/Entity: City of Mount Vernon
Amount: $8.4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to make infrastructure and traffic management improvements to the US 30 and Highway 1 intersection in Mount Vernon. Currently, traffic delays hamper travel on either roadway during peak travel hours. Since the opening of a new high school in the area, vehicle and pedestrian traffic has increased. In addition, the current intersection delays travel on US 30 through Mount Vernon, has no traffic signals, and lacks safe pedestrian access.

City/Entity: City of Mount Vernon & the US Highway 30 Coalition of Iowa
Amount: $8.4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to plan, design, complete environmental review and acquire right-of-way for the construction of a four lane bypass for US 30 around Mount Vernon. This project will help increase the safety and ease of travel on US 30 while alleviating increased traffic volumes and congestion at the current US 30 and Highway 1 intersection. The overall project will create jobs and enhance safety for residents along the current US 30 corridor in Mount Vernon.

City/Entity: City of Muscatine
Amount: $7.6 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the complete design and construction of 1.6 miles of federal and state highway (US 61 Business) linking the central business district to the Muscatine waterfront. This project will greatly minimize flood impacts along the corridor, improve traffic and pedestrian safety and accessibility.  It will also create jobs while also encouraging increased business and economic development in the area. In addition, the project will increase residents’ ability to utilize the riverfront. The city has spent a significant amount of money preserving the historic riverfront district and these further improvements will help complete the Mississippi Drive Corridor Plan.

City/Entity: City of North Liberty
Amount: $25.3 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the expansion and reconstruction of Highway 965 through North Liberty. The project will transform the three mile stretch of highway into a “Complete Street,” by adding turn lanes, traffic signals, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, safety and infrastructure improvements, and aesthetic enhancements. Specifically, it is estimated the project will create 30-40 jobs and also greatly improve the economic development opportunities along the corridor. The current corridor through North Liberty has become congested and the Iowa Department of Transportation estimates Highway 965 averages 65 accidents per year.

City/Entity: City of Ottumwa
Amount: $2.3 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the design and construction of a new bridge deck for the Market Street Bridge.  The current bridge deck has deteriorated to a degree that a weight restriction of 13 tons has been imposed meaning certain emergency response and industrial vehicles are unable to cross. Further, the city estimates that should the bridge not be repaired it will need to be completely closed in three years for safety reasons. This project will ensure safe travel routes for emergency, commuter, and business vehicles and will encourage increased economic development as the Market Street Bridge is the main connector between the downtown business districts. In addition, the project will ensure flood fighting assets are able to cross which impaired flood mitigation efforts of the city in 2008.

City/Entity: Davis County Government
Amount: $928,800
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction of Ice Avenue from its intersection with 180th Street to the intersection with Hill Boulevard and 150th Street. Specifically this project will rehabilitate a section of the roadway that is in definite need of repair and currently poses safety issues. In addition, the project will encourage increased economic development opportunities for the area.

City/Entity: Davis County Government
Amount: $1.2 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction of Bunch Road starting at the Appanoose County line and ending at the intersection with 180th Street and Eagle Boulevard. This project will provide for greatly needed improvements to the road in order to maintain safe and efficient vehicle travel.

City/Entity:  Des Moines County & Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission
Amount: $4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to construct phase one of the Flint River Trail from Hwy 99 to Flint Bottom Road. The trail system will be a 21 mile multi use recreation facility stretching from the Mississippi river in downtown Burlington to the Big Hollow Recreation Area in Des Moines County. The trail will connect downtown Burlington, Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve, Thye Woods Habitat Area, Old Zion School and Big Hollow Recreation Area.

City/Entity: Des Moines County
Amount: $4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to replace the Flint Creek Bridge on Highway 99. Specifically, the new bridge would allow Highway 99 to be reconstructed and elevated to prevent the road from being closed due to flooding. Protecting the road and bridge from flood events is crucial for connectivity between Burlington and Northern Des Moines County and also for access to the City of Burlington’s water treatment plant.

City/Entity: Iowa Department of Transportation
Amount: $34.4 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for construction and improvements on 7.3 miles of Interstate 80 between Interstate 380 and Iowa Route 1 in Johnson County, Iowa. Specifically the project includes lane expansions through one of the most heavily traveled corridors of Interstate 80 in Iowa which will improve safety and allow for increased traffic flow through the corridor.

City/Entity: Iowa Department of Transportation  
Amount: $35 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to construct a four-lane expressway on US 61 between Iowa 78 and the Muscatine County line in Louisa County. This project will create jobs and greatly enhance economic development opportunities for the area. In addition, this project will help complete the full four lane expansion of US 61 which currently connects the major cities along the Mississippi River in Iowa and has national significance for the transportation network.

City/Entity: Iowa Department of Transportation
Amount: $60 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to make the necessary improvements in Iowa to expand passenger rail service in the state. Specifically, funds will be used for design and engineering, track and signal upgrades, and rehabilitation of necessary passenger facilities to accommodate passenger rail activities. The project will create jobs and expand economic development opportunities for communities along the planned passenger rail route. In addition, this project is directly in line with the President’s strategic plan to expand passenger rail service in the United States. Plans to expand service from Chicago to Iowa include continued service from the Quad Cities to Iowa City, Des Moines, and Omaha.

City/Entity: Johnson County Government
Amount: $3.6 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for replacing the Mehaffey Road bridge which will include an attached pedestrian trail crossing over the Coralville Lake Reservoir. The project will create jobs and also ensure that the bridge is not closed during future flood events on the Iowa River and Coralville Reservoir. In addition, the project will improve navigation on the Coralville Reservoir for boat traffic and allow for easier travel between the cities of North Liberty and Solon for commercial and commuter traffic.

City/Entity: Linn County Government
Amount: $1.3 million
Project Description: Funds will be used for the reconstruction and overlay of Springville Road (X20) from north of Mt. Vernon to US 151 in Springville. This project will provide a safe and enhanced connection between the two cities for commercial and residential commuters, students, and emergency vehicles.

City/Entity: Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition
Amount: $18.16 million
Project Description: Funds will be used to make the necessary track infrastructure and signaling improvements on 45 miles of track owned by the Iowa Interstate Railroad between Wyanet, IL and the Quad Cities to accommodate passenger rail service between Chicago and Iowa. Plans to expand service from Chicago to Iowa include continued service from the Quad Cities to Iowa City, Des Moines, and Omaha.  This project will create jobs and greatly expand economic development opportunities for the communities involved. In addition, this project is directly in line with the President’s strategic plan to expand passenger rail service in the United States.

City/Entity: US Highway 61 Coalition & Southeastern Iowa Regional Planning Commission
Amount: $4 Million
Project Description: Funds will be used to update the existing environmental review and complete initial design of the planned four lane expansion of US 61 in Des Moines County. This project will help complete the final phases of the four lane expansion of US 61 which currently connects the major cities along the Mississippi River in Iowa. This project will enhance economic development opportunities for the area and greatly improve travel efficiency and safety.