METROPOLITAN PLANNING BRIEFING
October 2019
In this briefing we have updates on the region’s long-range transportation plan, grant applications, the Des Moines Transload Facility, and an upcoming speaker. Also, we ask you to join the MPO’s participation in Combat Hunger.
MOBILIZING TOMORROW: Public feedback sought
The Des Moines Area MPO is in the final stretch of an 18-month process updating the region’s long-range transportation plan, Mobilizing Tomorrow. The MPO is collecting public comments online through November 10.
The MPO updates the long-range transportation plan every five years to address the changing needs and priorities of the community, as well to adjust to evolving technologies and best practices in transportation. The Mobilizing Tomorrow update sets goals for the transportation system out to year 2050, and it outlines how the cities, counties and transit agencies of the metropolitan planning area will invest approximately $600 million in transportation funding over the next 35 years.
For more information on Mobilizing Tomorrow, please call or email MPO staff at 515-334-0075 or info@dmampo.org.
NOW ACCEPTING: TAP grant applications
Applications are being accepted now through December 6 for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2024 Transportation Alternatives Program, also known as the Surface Transportation Block Grant Set-Aside Program.
These grants provide funding for programs and projects defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation, environmental mitigation, and safe routes to school projects. Each year, approximately $1.2 million is available in funding for our region.
The applications will be scored and go out for public comment over the winter. The MPO Policy Committee will vote on final awards in May.
In related news, the application period for the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program will open in December, following the adoption of long-range transportation plan, Mobilizing Tomorrow. The plan will include updated scoring criteria, which is being reviewed by the Planning and Engineering Subcommittees, as well as the Funding Subcommittee.
For more information on these programs, please call or email MPO staff at 515-334-0075 or info@dmampo.org.
GIVING SEASON: Food donations being accepted at MPO
The MPO is participating in Food Bank of Iowa’s Combat Hunger food drive this year, collecting donations online with a $500 goal, as well as food items at its office. Donations are being accepted through Thursday, November 21.
Most-needed items:
- Protein (peanut butter, canned meat, canned fish)
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Canned soup
- Dry pasta
- Breakfast items (including cereal)
- 100% fruit juice
- Personal care and paper items (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.)
TRANSLOAD: Moving forward
Another significant step has been completed in the pursuit of opening the Des Moines Transload Facility next year.
The MPO Policy Committee recently approved a sub-agreement between the Des Moines Area MPO and the operator, Des Moines Industrial LLC. This enables the operator to access the $1.7 million, interest-free loan that the MPO obtained for the project from the Iowa DOT to develop the project.
Located in southeast Des Moines, the transload facility connects the Interstate road system with three Class 1 railroads that span the country, as well as the regional Iowa Interstate Railroad. The transload facility serves to transfer raw goods between trucks and trains, lowering shipping costs for businesses within a 150-mile radius of the capital city.
UPCOMING SPEAKER: Rich Harwood: Cultivating Communities as a Catalyst for Lasting Change
Rich Harwood, president and founder of The Harwood Institute, will be the keynote speaker for a special edition of the Tomorrow Plan Speaker Series, featuring a midpoint review of Capital Crossroads 2.0. Harwood is dedicated to transforming public and political lives by supporting individuals, organizations and communities in their quest to create change. Harwood will discuss concrete ways for Central Iowans to build community and overcome challenges to inspire positive, lasting change.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
11:30 A.M. — PICK UP LUNCH
11:35 A.M. — MIDPOINT REVIEW OF CAPITAL CROSSROADS
12 P.M. — KEYNOTE WITH HARWOOD
1 P.M. — Q&A
STATE HISTORICAL BUILDING
600 E. LOCUST ST., DES MOINES
OPTIONAL LUNCH AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
RSVP HERE: http://tomorrowplanspeakerseries.org/rich-harwood/
That’s it for this briefing. If you have comments or questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you.
Gunnar
Gunnar Olson | Communications and Strategy Manager
Des Moines Area MPO | 420 Watson Powell, Jr. Parkway, Suite 200 | Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-334-0075 | golson@dmampo.org | www.dmampo.org