In accordance with Iowa Code subsection 307A.2(11), the Iowa Transportation Commission has a duty to construct, reconstruct, improve, and maintain roadways, including bridges, within the boundaries of state-owned lands or community college property upon the request of the state agency having jurisdiction.
There are over 600 miles of roadways in the Park and Institutional Roads system. State agencies participating in the program are the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC), Department of Education (DOE), State Fair Board, Department of Human Services (DHS), National Guard of Iowa, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Board of Regents, and Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Capitol Complex.
Program Funding
Sixty-five one-hundredths of one percent of the Road Use Tax Fund is allocated for maintenance and improvement of the State Park and Institutional Roads System. Each agency is allocated a percentage of the fund based on Iowa Code. The following is the distribution of funds: Iowa DNR, (45.5%); Board of Regents, (30%); Iowa DHS, (6.5%); Iowa DOE, (6%); Iowa DOC, (5.5%); National Guard of Iowa, (4%); State Fair Board, (2%) Board, (2%); and Iowa DAS Capitol Complex, (0.5%).
The first priority of the Park and Institutional Roads Program is maintenance and preservation of existing facilities. A portion of each agencyβs allocation is reserved for routine maintenance. Remaining funds may be used for reconstruction or improvement of existing roads or new construction.
Programming
Work is funded at the request of the agencies that have jurisdiction over the respective roadways. Each year participating agencies are provided projections of allocations for ensuing years. Determination of project priorities and schedules is the responsibility of each agency. All projects are reviewed by the Department to ensure consistency with Park and Institutional Roads Program policies and standards.
Project candidates for 2025 through 2029 are listed on the following pages. Some recommended projects may not be done during the period of this program. Accomplishments will depend on actual program income, annual maintenance expenditures, project costs, and priorities of participating agencies. Program dollars are shown in the year construction of the project phases are proposed to begin. The program dollars listed are the estimated share of project costs from the Parks and Institutional Roads Fund.