Iowa's Financing Concerns Heighten

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released a report to the Iowa General Assembly that analyzed the critical needs of Iowa's roadway systems and revenues to support them. The Iowa DOT analysis shows that the funding shortfall to meet the most critical road and bridge needs has increased from $200 million to $267 million annually.

According to the report, road and bridge conditions are worsening due to insufficient investment and the impact of extreme weather conditions, coupled with rising construction costs and flattening of state and federal revenues, which reduce the buying power of state and local agencies.

"We've taken meaningful steps that begin to close this gap, including the TIME-21 funding bill passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor (Chet) Culver that will provide millions of additional dollars in support of road projects," said Iowa DOT Director Nancy Richardson. "Addressing our infrastructure needs is important at many different levels, from the safety of the public to revitalizing our economy. With the governor's support, the Iowa DOT will continue to work with state and federal leaders to address these critical needs for all of Iowa."