Iowa DOT News

AMES, Iowa – June 11, 2013 – Today, the Iowa Transportation Commission approved $977,502 in total funding for six statewide Transportation Alternatives program projects. The Transportation Alternatives program was authorized by the most recent federal transportation funding act, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), and replaces the former Transportation Enhancements program. This program supports projects such as trails, Safe Routes to School, overlooks, and the preservation or rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities. The majority of Transportation Alternatives program funding is distributed to Iowa’s metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning affiliations for the selection of local projects. The Commission awards up to $1 million annually toward Transportation Alternatives projects that are statewide in nature. Funding is available to cities, counties, school districts or other eligible organizations through an annual application-based program.

The projects, award recipient and approved funding amounts are listed below.

• Documenting Iowa's Presettlement Roads and Trails
  The University of Iowa’s Office of the State Archaeologist and The University of Iowa’s Division of Sponsored Programs: $96,315

• Education and Encouragement Activities
  Iowa Northland Regional Transportation Authority and Iowa Bicycle Coalition: $60,000

• Enhancing I-WALK: Iowa Participatory Evaluation and Documentation of Sidewalks –
  I-PEDS
  Iowa State University: $92,602

• Iowa's Living Roadway Project Program
  Trees Forever: $400,000

• Roadside Beautification/Maintenance Reduction: County Highways
  University of Northern Iowa: $250,000

• Urban Youth Corps
  Iowa Department of Transportation: $78,585

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Contact: Craig Markley at 515-239-1027 or [email protected]