MPO Grant Funds Invest $15 Million in DSM Infrastructure

The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) recently announced grant funds of $15 million for a variety projects as infrastructure improvements continue in Greater Des Moines (DSM). As COVID-19 ripples around the world, it is important to focus on diverse job creation that will continue to improve DSM USA as the region prepares for a population of 1 million.

Included Infrastructure Projects

• $4.6 million to increase vehicle capacity of the Southeast Connector in Des Moines
• $1.55 million for Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) bus replacement and art shelters
• $1 million for street reconstruction in Altoona
• $1 million for street improvement in West Des Moines
• $1 million for street reconstruction in Windsor Heights
• $1 million for bridge improvement in Des Moines
• $1 million for an interchange in Clive
• $950,000 for two bridges in Polk County
• $500,000 for intelligent traffic system upgrades in Des Moines
• $435,000 for recreational trail improvements in Ankeny
• $393,000 for street and trail reconstruction in Polk City
• $100,000 for electric bike expansion in Clive

These investments in infrastructure include DART, BCycle bike-share program and paved trails in DSM and Ankeny that are crucial to any growing region, while placing access as a key priority.

Nearly 50% of the dollars allocated are focused on fixing current issues and optimizing the existing system. In addition, many of these projects, when complete will assist in creating a better link between housing and jobs, reducing commute times, enhancing access and providing much needed reconstruction or replacement to the streets and bridges of the communities in which we live and work. These are timely infrastructure developments, rooted in smart planning on behalf of the cities and the MPO.

The other 50% of dollars go to projects building resiliency and capacity along various corridors (be it the Southeast Connector or the demand for the BCycle e-bike program). This indicates a growing region and the importance of looking for ways to accommodate growth and demand for access, recreation and overall infrastructure. This coordinated development of capacity is a great example of the ways our region works together to ensure sustainable growth.

These funds are connected to the MPO’s long-range transportation plan adopted in November of 2019, which focused on DSM growth from 2020 to 2050. The plan outlines how the MPO’s member governments throughout the region will invest approximately $8.1 billion in transportation funding over the next 35 years.

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