AMES, Iowa – July 14, 2025 – The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is encouraging the public, railroads operating in Iowa, freight shippers, and other interested stakeholders to review and provide comments regarding the draft State Rail Plan.

The Iowa DOT’s Modal Transportation and Systems Planning Bureaus are currently in the process of updating the State Rail Plan. Part of this update process provides for a public input period that begins on Monday, July 14, and will close at the end of Thursday, Aug. 28. 

Iowa has a robust and thriving rail transportation system that is a critical component of the state's economy. The State Rail Plan provides an overview of the state’s rail network, examines the ongoing development of infrastructure by railroads, and provides a pathway for the future rail transportation system in the state. The draft State Rail Plan was created in compliance with federal laws and regulations.

The draft State Rail Plan can be viewed on the Iowa DOT's website at: 

https://iowadot.gov/transportation-development/systems-planning/areas-planning/transportation-plans/rail-plan.

You are encouraged to provide comments on the draft State Rail Plan by completing the online form located at https://iowadot.gov/transportation-development/systems-planning/areas-planning/transportation-plans/rail-plan.

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Contact Maria Hobbs at 515-239-1088 or maria.hobbs@iowadot.us for questions about the draft State Rail Plan.