Time 21 headerTime 21 headerTime 21 header

 


TIME-21 E-alert
Issue 3

Intermodalism a Critical Factor in
Iowa’s Economic Future

rail photoThere is no single way to meet Iowa’s future transportation needs. Addressing Iowa’s freight demands will require a well-balanced, intermodal transportation system. Iowa’s 4,000-mile rail transportation network is a vital component of the state’s freight transportation system.

For businesses, access to rail transportation can lower costs and open more distant markets, which add to the bottom line and help businesses be more profitable and grow. For communities, access to a rail connection can spur job growth and development.

In addition to the highway investment needs outlined in the Road Use Tax Fund report, additional investments are needed in Iowa’s rail system. The Iowa Department of Transportation is requesting a $2 million annual appropriation for the Rail Revolving Loan and Grant Program for fiscal years 2008-2012 to support the Access Rail initiative.  For additional details, visit: http://www.iowarail.com/assistance/AccessRail/accessrail.htm.

Rielly-Noble Transportation Tour 2007
March 1 and 2; and March 22 and 23, 2007

Iowa Senator Tom Rielly, chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Transportation, and Iowa Senator Larry Noble, ranking member of the Senate Standing Committee on Transportation, have announced that they plan to hold meetings (listening posts) throughout the state that focus discussion on projects and needs for highway and other modes of transportation.

The public is invited to attend any one or more of the scheduled meetings. Individuals that attend may sign up at the meeting to speak.  Otherwise, there is no specific agenda.

This is an excellent opportunity for Iowans to share their views about Iowa’s transportation needs, including those for Access Rail and TIME-21.

Quick Fact
Freight Traffic
truck photo

  • Vehicle miles of travel (VMT) across Iowa increased by 36 percent between 1990 and 2005, with large truck VMT increasing by 51 percent.
  • Ninety-one percent of large truck VMT growth occurred on the Primary Road System. The Secondary Road System accounted for the remaining 9 percent. The Municipal Street System large truck travel VMT was flat.
  • Freight travel is expected to increase another 50 percent by 2020.
  • In 2001, more than 350 million tons of freight traveled on Iowa’s public roads system. This cargo had a value of nearly $390 billion.

e-alert issued 2/23/07


HOT Topics

 

Iowan's Speak Out

On Jan. 25, 2007, the Southwest Iowa Coalition voted unanimously to endorse the recommendation in the RUTF report calling for $200 million annually in additional roadway funding...>>More.
 
On Feb. 13, 2007, the Iowa Transportation Commission endorsed the findings and recommendations of the Study of Iowa's Current Road Use Tax Funds and Future Road Maintenance and Construction Needs, submitted to the Iowa Legislature Dec. 29, 2006.
 
On Feb. 19, 2007, the City of Knoxvilleapproved a resolution that endorses and supports the recommendations of the Iowa Department of Transportation as contained in its study of Iowa's Road Use Tax Fund and Future Road Maintenance and Construction Needs Report submitted to the Iowa Legislature. >>More

On Feb. 22, 2007, the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Planning Agency resolved that the Iowa Legislature establish legislation that will implement the recommendations identified in the report (Study of Iowa's Current Road Use Tax Funds and Future Road Maintenance and Construction Needs) in order to ensure the long term viability of Iowa's transportation system. >>More