The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) today announces more than $22 million in grant awards for 23 projects around Greater Des Moines.
The MPO grants support a wide variety of projects. Numerous grants went toward reconstruction of major corridors in Altoona, Bondurant, Des Moines, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights. Other grants went toward bridge improvements in Ankeny and Polk County, an interchange in Johnston, bus replacements for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, and trails throughout the region.
Click here for a complete listing of funded projects.
“For several years now the MPO has consistently invested in preserving and optimizing the existing transportation network,” said Mark Holm, Ankeny Mayor and MPO Chair. “This year is no exception. We had several great projects to choose from, and these investments will help improve the region for everyone, whether they get around by car, bus, bike or on foot.”
Through these projects, the MPO seeks to advances the region’s transportation goals: to manage and optimize existing transportation infrastructure and services, enhance multimodal transportation options, improve the region’s environmental health, and further the health, safety and well-being of all residents in the region.
The grants are available through the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG), the STBG Set-Aside Program (also known as Transportation Alternatives Funding), and the Carbon Reduction Program. These programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and administered by the Des Moines Area MPO. MPO staff scored the projects on how well they would help meet the regional performance measures established in Mobilizing Tomorrow. Additionally, the public provided comments and feedback on the proposed projects. This information was the basis for a recommendation to the MPO Policy Committee, which approved the funding on April 18.