Iowa DOT News

AMES, Iowa – April 24,2009 – The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is crafting a greener, bolder new direction for passenger services in the state. Helping navigate the course is a statewide passenger transportation study, which involves several upcoming public meetings.

“We are asking everyone in Iowa to join us as we develop this bold new vision -- A Greener, Greater Iowa  -- that is ready to meet the state’s future mobility challenges,” said Michelle McEnany, director of the Iowa DOT’s Office of Public Transit.

Working in cooperation with the state’s Office of Energy Independence and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa DOT’s public meetings will examine some of the major transportation challenges facing the state, including:

• Affordable transportation choices.
• Connectivity between rural areas and regional activity centers.
• An aging population base.
• Providing personal mobility options.
• Maintaining a healthy quality of life for our citizens.
• Transportation needs to meet Iowa’s energy independence goals.
• Transportation financing.
• Managing transportation demands.
• Avoiding or minimizing adverse environmental impacts.

Interested citizens, organizations and public officials are encouraged to participate in one of the upcoming public meetings. In addition, individuals are invited to complete an online survey available at www.iRIDE21.com,  designed for providers, stakeholders or the general public.  

All public meetings are scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.

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For more information, contact:  Stan Peterson at 515-239-1386 or [email protected]