(Pottawattamie Co) The Pottawattamie County Secondary Roads Department was recently awarded $4.4 million in grant funding as part of the Investing in America Agenda.
The announcement was made June 28th, paving the way for the department to address projects that have been a part of long-term planning. Funds from the RAISE Grant will be used to add a Center Left Turn Lane to G30, stretching from Railroad Highway to Interstate 80 in Underwood. They’ll also be used to replace the Mosquito Creek Bridge. According to project officials, the existing Mosquito Creek Bridge is considered “structurally deficient,” with weight restrictions looming. Officials note the existing pavement on this section is beyond repair.
While funding for County projects hasn’t decreased, inflation has created several limitations. Increased costs have reduced the number of projects the Secondary Roads Department is planning by an estimated 30 percent. The $4.4 million grant is approximately equal to funding used for an entire year of typical construction for the department.
The projects are estimated to cost $5.5 million. Work will not begin until federal funds become available, which may take up to two years, according to officials.
