Grassley Works to Increase Federal Funding for Iowa Highways
A preliminary formula made public last night would result in Iowa receiving a dramatic increase in federal dollars for highways with at least an additional $687.6 million for Iowa over the next six years, according to Sen. Chuck Grassley.
"This is good news for Iowa," Grassley said. "Sometimes federal formulas have short-changed our state. This time, I'm in a leadership position to affect this program, and I'm doing everything I can to improve Iowa's highways with our fair share of funding. This is a preliminary estimate, but I'll continue to fight for increased funds for Iowa projects."
Congress is considering legislation to re-authorize the federal highway program for the next six years. Several committees have jurisdiction over parts of this program. The Senate Finance Committee, which Grassley chairs, is in charge of determining how the government raises the money to pay for the highway program.
Late Wednesday, Grassley obtained estimates from the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee showing that Iowa would receive the $687.6 million increase under the formula agreed to by that committee. Under the current highway funding formula, Iowa would receive $1.98 billion over the next six years. Under the new proposed formula, Iowa would receive $2.66 billion, an increase of $687.6 million over six years.
According to the Iowa Concrete Paving Association, Iowa's concrete paving industry employs thousands of Iowans with good paying jobs at three cement manufacturing plants, 30 concrete paving companies, over 200 ready mixed concrete plants, and scores of other affiliated companies and firms.
"Members of the Associated General Contractors of Iowa applaud Senator Grassley for his leadership as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee relative to the commitment demonstrated today to Iowans by providing thousands of high paying construction jobs, enhanced economic development for our municipalities and counties, along with safer travel for the motoring public on the state's highway infrastructure," said Mike Manatt, President of the Associated General Contractors of Iowa.
Mr. Manatt continued, "Our Department of Transportation is clearly in need of the additional funding that the Senate's budget numbers provide in order to provide the highway and bridge projects our citizens demand in a timely manner. The additional funding coming back to Iowa represents a significant increase over the last six year funding level. This translates into more jobs, safer highways, less congestion, additional tax revenues for the state's political subdivisions, and makes Iowa that much more attractive a state to live and do business in."
Sioux City Mayor Dave Ferris said, "the increased funding formula was desperately needed and very much appreciated. The increased funds will assist the City in efforts to replace some of the oldest streets and roads in Iowa, improving the safety of our citizens and enhancing the overall economic vitality of our community."
Debi Durham, President of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, said, "As Chairman of the Finance Committee, Senator Grassley played a pivotal role in increasing the highway formula funds that the State of Iowa will receive over the next several years. Transportation funding is critical for maintaining and creating infrastructure that will support and encourage economic growth in the state. This formula increase positively affects the amount of funds available through the state for local projects like the Outer Drive/Hoeven Valley project and I-29 rehabilitation."
"The City of Dubuque applauds Senator Grassley's leadership in increasing the funding for Iowa's highways. Transportation is vital to Iowa's economic development, and this is another step in the right direction. As we continue to seek funds for the Southwest Arterial, we are encouraged by this recent announcement," said Dubuque Mayor Terry Duggan.
"I thank Senator Grassley for his help on this issue. Increasing the formula funds is important because this formula is the basis that will determine how much money is available for projects such as the U.S. Highway 30/67 Phase 2 Liberty Square Redevelopment project in Clinton and for other transportation projects across the State of Iowa," said LaMetta K. Wynn, Mayor of Clinton.
