Online Public Meeting Opens for Des Moines River Activation and Possible Dam Modification Project
The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is hosting an online public meeting for the Des Moines River Activation and Possible Dam Modification (DMRA) Project. The online public meeting will be available from Monday, May 4, 2020, through Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at DMRAProject.com.
The DMRA Project, located in downtown Des Moines, would provide a regional water trail network on the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers that enhance recreational opportunities and create safer public access in the downtown Des Moines riverfront. The purpose of the project is to improve water safety, enhance recreational opportunities, and increase connectivity in the downtown Des Moines riverfront area. The project is needed due to safety hazards in the downtown section of the Des Moines River, lack of safe on-river and off-river access for regional connectivity, and inadequate variety and intensity of recreational opportunities.
The proposed DMRA Project would potentially modify one low-head dam at Scott Avenue and enhance three additional access points (Prospect Park, Birdland Marina and Harriet Street) along a 5-mile stretch of the Des Moines River, in its initial construction. Ultimate construction in downtown Des Moines would include modifications of Center Street Dam, as well as in-river recreation features added downstream of Fleur Drive Dam. Final design for the DMRA Project is anticipated to be complete in summer 2021. Construction is anticipated to begin late 2021 or early 2022.
If you or some you know does not have Internet access, information may be obtained through:
Zach Young, Planning Manager
Des Moines Area MPO | 420 Watson Powell, Ste 200 | Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 334-0075 | zyoung@dmampo.org
Comments on the proposed DMRA Project will be collected through June 3, 2020, and can be submitted through the online meeting or the contact above.
About Central Iowa Water Trails
The Central Iowa Water Trails project will connect more than 150 miles of water trails and 86 access sites throughout the region. This multi-year project is led by the Central Iowa Water Trails Incubator. The Incubator is supported by a coalition of regional organizations working together through Capital Crossroads, including Catch Des Moines, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the Great Outdoors Foundation, and the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. For more information, visit centraliowawatertrails.org.
About Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) acts as a regional forum to ensure coordination between the public and local, state, and federal agencies in regard to planning issues and to prepare transportation plans and programs. The MPO develops both long- and short-range multimodal transportation plans, selects and approves projects for federal funding based upon regional priorities, and develops methods to reduce traffic congestion.