MPO announces project funding to advance regional goals
The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) today announces more than $16.5 million in grant awards for 13 projects around Greater Des Moines.
The MPO grants support a wide variety of projects. Some address system capacity, such as pavement reconstruction in Grimes and West Des Moines, a street widening in Ankeny, and an interstate interchange in Clive. Others improve existing infrastructure, with major road reconstruction projects in Altoona, Des Moines, Polk County, and Windsor Heights, as well as bridge improvements in Des Moines and Polk County.
The funding also supports multimodal transportation options, including new buses for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), as well as trail improvements in Ankeny, Des Moines, Polk County, and West Des Moines.
Click here for a complete list of grant awards.
“The MPO was pleased to be able to fund several great projects with this cycle of awards,” said Bob Andeweg, Urbandale Mayor and MPO Chair. “We’re glad to support the region as it invests in a regional transportation network that works for all residents.”
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) and the Surface Transportation Block Grant Set-Aside Program (STBG – Set Aside), which are funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and administered by the Des Moines Area MPO. The grant money becomes available for these projects in October 2025.
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 in April.