Des Moines) The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) administers the State of Iowa’s allocation of federal highway safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. For the 2025 federal fiscal year, GTSB announced $11.5 million in grant funds awarded to over 300 traffic safety partners across Iowa.
“GTSB is pleased to allocate these funds to support traffic safety partners,” says Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “Since 2019, 10,000 people have died or been seriously injured on Iowa roads. Lack of seat belt use, impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other risky driving behaviors continue to wreak havoc. These funds will increase public awareness, collect data, train, and enforce. The goal is to improve safety for all road users.”
The GTSB distributes the money to law enforcement partners for equipment, education, and enforcement projects.
“These partnerships are crucial,” says GTSB Law Enforcement Liaison Randy Kunert. “Enforcing Iowa’s traffic laws is the strongest countermeasure to deter risky driving behavior. These agencies must have the necessary resources to make traffic stops.”
GTSB also awards funds to support community partners in traffic safety. The Iowa Restaurant Association uses grant funding to offer ServSafe Alcohol responsible server training. This year, they’re expanding the program to include courses in Spanish. GTSB partners with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to facilitate a dedicated program coordinator in Iowa. Iowa’s Child Passenger Safety program is executed through a partnership with Blank Children’s Hospital and GTSB.
Every year, traffic safety advocates seek funding through grant applications. Agencies meeting the required data-driven criteria and highway safety standards are awarded funds to support GTSB’s mission to reduce death and injury on Iowa roads. Those interested in applying should look for funding opportunities in late January in Iowa Grants.
