HomeMy WebLinkAboutIowa City - Iowa River Trail West Bank Project
Application for
Carbon Reduction Program Funding
for the Iowa City Urbanized Area
Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County
February 2025
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Schedule
February 3, 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity emailed to all jurisdictions.
February 24, 2025 CRP applications due by 5:00 p.m., including all required
attachments.
March 4, 2025 Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee (RTBC) meeting to
review and discuss projects.
March 2025 Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) meeting to
review projects and provide a recommendation on funding
allocations to the Urbanized Area Policy Board (UAPB).
March/April 2025 UAPB meeting to review projects and approve funding allocations.
May 2025 TTAC and UAPB consider the Draft FY2026-2029 Transportation
Improvement Program.
July 2025 Final FY2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program
presented to the UAPB for adoption.
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Application Instructions
This application form shall be used to submit a Carbon Reduction Program project proposal.
1. Complete the attached Minority Impact Statement (Form 105101) for the proposed
project.
2. All information submitted as part of this application, as well as any additional information
requested by the MPOJC, will be used to evaluate the application.
3. Submit a digital copy of the completed application and any attachments by 5:00 p.m.
February 24, 2025 to:
Emily Bothell
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
emily-bothell@iowa-city.org
Questions should be directed to Emily Bothell, Senior Associate Transportation Planner at
emily-bothell@iowa-city.org.
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Project Eligibility Requirements
1. Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) projects must occur within the adopted MPOJC
Urbanized Area Planning Boundary and align with the MPOJC Long Range
Transportation Plan and the MPOJC adopted Complete Streets Policy.
Map A: MPOJC Urbanized Area Planning Boundary
MPOJC Long Range Transportation Plan:
https://www.icgov.org/government/departments-and-divisions/metropolitan-planning-
organization-of-johnson-county/resources/publications
MPOJC Complete Streets Policy:
https://www.icgov.org/home/showpublisheddocument/226/638104209428630000
2 The following activities are eligible for funding under 23 U.S.C. 175(c):
A. a project described in 23 U.S.C. 149(b)(4) to establish or operate a traffic monitoring,
management, and control facility or program, including advanced truck stop
electrification systems;
B. a public transportation project eligible under 23 U.S.C. 142;
C. a transportation alternative (as defined under the Moving Ahead for Progress under
the 21st Century Act [23 U.S.C. 101(a)(29), as in effect on July 5, 2012]), including,
but not limited to, the construction, planning, and design of on-road and off-road trail
facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized forms of transportation;
D. a project described in 23 U.S.C. 503(c)(4)(E) for advanced transportation and
congestion management technologies;
E. deployment of infrastructure-based intelligent transportation systems capital
improvements and the installation of vehicle-to-infrastructure communications
equipment;
F. a project to replace street lighting and traffic control devices with energy-efficient
alternatives;
G. development of a carbon reduction strategy developed by a State per requirements
in 23 U.S.C. 175(d);
H. a project or strategy designed to support congestion pricing, shifting transportation
demand to nonpeak hours or other transportation modes, increasing vehicle
occupancy rates, or otherwise reducing demand for roads, including electronic toll
collection, and travel demand management strategies and programs;
I. efforts to reduce the environmental and community impacts of freight movement;
J. a project that supports deployment of alternative fuel vehicles, including–
• acquisition, installation, or operation of publicly accessible electric vehicle
charging infrastructure or hydrogen, natural gas, or propane vehicle fueling
infrastructure; and
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•purchase or lease of zero-emission construction equipment and vehicles,
including the acquisition, construction, or leasing of required supporting facilities;
K.a project described in 23 U.S.C. 149(b)(8) for a diesel engine retrofit;
L.certain types of projects to improve traffic flow that are eligible under the CMAQ
program, and that do not involve construction of new capacity; [§ 11403; 23 U.S.C.
149(b)(5); and 175(c)(1)(L)]
M.a project that reduces transportation emissions at port facilities, including through the
advancement of port electrification; and
N.any other STBG-eligible project, if the Secretary certifies that the State has
demonstrated a reduction in transportation emissions, as estimated on a per capita
and per unit of economic output basis. (Note: FHWA will issue guidance on how the
Secretary will make such certifications.) [§ 11403; 23 U.S.C. 133(b) and 175(c)(2)]
Other projects that are not listed above may be eligible for CRP funds if they can
demonstrate reductions in transportation emissions over the project’s lifecycle.
Consistent with the CRP’s goal of reducing transportation emissions, projects to add
general-purpose lane capacity for single occupant vehicle use will not be eligible absent
analyses demonstrating emissions reductions over the project’s lifecycle. For example,
the following project types may be eligible for CRP funding:
Sustainable pavements and construction materials
Sustainable pavements technologies that reduce embodied carbon during the
manufacture and/or construction of highway projects could be eligible for CRP if a
lifecycle assessment (LCA) demonstrates substantial reductions in CO2 compared to the
implementing Agency’s typical pavement-related practices. The LCA Pave Tool can be
used to assess the CO2 impacts of pavement material and design decisions.
Climate Uses of Highway Right-of-Way
Projects including alternative uses of highway right-of-way (ROW) that reduce
transportation emissions are also eligible. For example, renewable energy generation
facilities, such as solar arrays and wind turbines, can reduce transportation emissions.
And, biologic carbon sequestration practices along highway ROW to capture and store
CO2 may demonstrate potential for substantial long-term transportation emissions
reductions. State DOTs Leveraging Alternative Uses of the Highway Right-of-Way
Guidance provides information on these practices.
Mode Shift
Projects that maximize the existing right-of-way for accommodation of nonmotorized
modes and transit options that increase safety, equity, accessibility, and connectivity
may be eligible. Projects that separate motor vehicles from pedestrians and bicyclists,
match vehicle speeds to the built environment, increase visibility (e.g., lighting), and
advance implementation of a Safe System approach and improve safety for vulnerable
road users may also be eligible. Micromobility and electric bike projects, including
charging infrastructure, may also be eligible.
3.CRP projects must be proposed by a member of the MPOJC Transportation Technical
Advisory Committee (TTAC). The sponsoring entity must be one of the following
entities: Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, Tiffin, University Heights, Johnson County,
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or the University of Iowa. The entity awarded funds for a project must be able to fund
the local match and implement the project.
4. Projects will be scored by MPOJC staff using the scoring criteria approved by the
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board (attached to the application) and considered
initially by the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC). The TTAC will
make a recommendation to the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board (UAPB) for all
projects unless the project is withdrawn by its TTAC sponsor. All projects shall receive
subsequent consideration by the MPOJC UAPB.
5. If funded, CRP projects must be started within three years of the original year the project
was programmed in the MPOJC Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
6. Projects may be required to be on designated Federal Aid Routes as approved by Iowa
DOT depending on the project type. The Federal Aid Route map is located at the
following link: https://iowadot.gov/maps/Digital-maps/pdfview/johnson
7. Projects must be in compliance with all Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) requirements
to be eligible for funding. Eligibility requirements can be found at the following link:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/crp.cfm
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Project Sponsor: _____________________________________________________________________
Contact Person (Name and Title): _______________________________________________________
Street Address: ______________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________State: _______ ZIP Code:_____________________
Phone Number: ________________________ Email Address: _______________________________
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): __________________________________________________________
(To verify existing UEI or to register, go to System for Award Management at https://SAM.gov. The entity
name associated with the UEI must match the entity listed on this application as the project sponsor.)
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO):_______________________________________________
If more than one Agency or Organization is involved in this project, please state the agency or
organization, contact person, mailing address, and telephone number of the second agency. (Attach an
additional page if more than two agencies are involved.)
Agency or Organization:_______________________________________________________________
Contact Person (Name and Title): _______________________________________________________
Street Address:______________________________________________________________________
City:________________________________ State:___________ ZIP Code:______________________
Phone Number: ___________________________ Email Address: ____________________________
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):___________________________________________________________
Project Title: ________________________________________________________________________
Project Description: (Provide summary details of only the project scope that is the subject of the funding
request. Do not provide details of completed or future phases of a larger project.)
If this project includes the construction of a trail, what is the length of the trail in miles? ________
The following information must be provided for all Carbon Reduction Program project proposals and will
be provided to the MPOJC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) and Urbanized Area
Policy Board for evaluation. MPOJC staff may contact you if additional information is required. You will
have the opportunity to explain the project at a meeting of the MPOJC TTAC. MPOJC staff will score the
projects; the TTAC may modify scores.
PROJECT SPONSOR INFORMATION
PROJECT INFORMATION
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If this project includes land acquisition, how many acres? ______________
What Federal Fiscal Year will this project need funding for?
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
Is this application intended to be considered for funding as a Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
project?
Yes No If yes, Attachment B of this application must be included with the application.
The project must be located within 2 miles of a school serving students K-12.
Upon completion, will the project be open to the public?
Yes No
Do you intend to charge a fee to users?
Yes No If yes, how much will the fee be and how will the revenue be
used? _______________
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Project Costs: Complete the table below by identifying the estimated project costs. Costs should reflect
estimated costs in the execution year when funds are anticipated to be programmed and the project is
ready to proceed. COLUMN 1 is the total project cost to the project sponsor and will include all costs
whether CRP reimbursement is intended or the costs will be paid entirely with local or other funds. Most
project sponsors do not intend to request reimbursement toward all project costs. The amount listed in
COLUMN 1 for each type of cost should also be placed in either COLUMN 2 or COLUMN 3. The costs
listed in COLUMN 2 are those that are not intended to be claimed for CRP reimbursement. Costs listed in
COLUMN 3 are costs the project sponsor does intend to claim for reimbursement. No row should have
costs in all three columns and the total of COLUMN 2 plus the total of COLUM N 3 should equal the total
of COLUMN 1.
COLUMN 1
Total Estimated
Project Cost to
Project Sponsor
COLUMN 2
No CRP
Reimbursement
Planned
COLUMN 3
Intend to Claim CRP
Reimbursement
Right-of-way Acquisition: $ $ $
Preliminary Design/Engineering: $ $ $
Construction: $ $ $
Construction Engineering: $ $ $
Other (please identify) : $ $ $
Other (please identify) : $ $ $
Total: $ $ $
LINE A: Total to be Claimed for Reimbursement (Total COLUMN 3) $
LINE B: Carbon Reduction Program Funding Request (Maximum 80% of Total COLUMN 3) $
LINE C: Required Local Match (Difference LINE A – LINE B; Minimum 20% of Total COLUMN 3) $
LINE D: Total Cost to Project Sponsor* (LINE C + Total COLUMN 2) $
*The Project Sponsor is also responsible for all cost overruns
Funding Gap: After completing the Matching Funds section below, return to this section to show your calculation of
the existing funding gap that exists on your project.
LINE E: Total SECURED matching funds (Sum of all match sources listed as secured below) $
LINE F: Existing funding gap (Difference LINE D – LINE E) $
Matching Funds: Please list each funding source separately (including your own local funds secured for
the project) and provide all of the following information:
•Amount: List the funding amount secured or anticipated from each funding source.
•Source: Identify the funding source.
•Funds are secured or anticipated: A grant amount that has been confirmed by a funder in writing
is a secured funding source. In identifying the applicant’s own contribution, the amount must be
identified as a line item in an internal budget document or some other documentation must be
able to be provided for the funding to be considered secured versus anticipated. Identifying funds
under the presumption that a board or council will commit a certain amount through a future
action would be considered an anticipated funding source. If you intend to apply for or have not
yet received written confirmation of an award, these are considered anticipated. Only funding
sources marked as secured should be included when calculating the total matching funds
identified in LINE E above. All funding sources listed as secured will be required to provide
proof that the award has been made or funds have otherwise been secured for your project. If
you check secured and do not provide documentation, adjustments will be made to accurately
ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS, FUNDING GAP, AND MATCHING FUNDS
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reflect only secured and documented funding sources in scoring your application.
•Funding type: Identify if funds are from a federal, state, local, or private source.
•Intended use of these funds: In many cases, the intended use will be the same as this
application; however, if the funds are for a particular item (e.g. benches, trailhead only, etc.) then
indicate the funder’s intent.
•Conditions on the use of funds: If the funder has any conditions on the funding, please list these.
A common condition may be a date funds need to be spent by or a date the project must be
completed by.
Amount: Source:
Funds are: Secured ☐ Anticipated: ☐ Funds are: Federal: ☐ State: ☐ Local: ☐ Private: ☐
Intended use of these funds:
Conditions on the use of funds:
Amount: Source:
Funds are: Secured ☐ Anticipated: ☐ Funds are: Federal: ☐ State: ☐ Local: ☐ Private: ☐
Intended use of these funds:
Conditions on the use of funds:
Amount: Source:
Funds are: Secured ☐ Anticipated: ☐ Funds are: Federal: ☐ State: ☐ Local: ☐ Private: ☐
Intended use of these funds:
Conditions on the use of funds:
Amount: Source:
Funds are: Secured ☐ Anticipated: ☐ Funds are: Federal: ☐ State: ☐ Local: ☐ Private: ☐
Intended use of these funds:
Conditions on the use of funds:
Amount: Source:
Funds are: Secured ☐ Anticipated: ☐ Funds are: Federal: ☐ State: ☐ Local: ☐ Private: ☐
Intended use of these funds:
Conditions on the use of funds:
Amount: Source:
Funds are: Secured ☐ Anticipated: ☐ Funds are: Federal: ☐ State: ☐ Local: ☐ Private: ☐
Intended use of these funds:
Conditions on the use of funds:
Amount: Source:
Funds are: Secured ☐ Anticipated: ☐ Funds are: Federal: ☐ State: ☐ Local: ☐ Private: ☐
Intended use of these funds:
Conditions on the use of funds:
Amount: Source:
Funds are: Secured ☐ Anticipated: ☐ Funds are: Federal: ☐ State: ☐ Local: ☐ Private: ☐
Intended use of these funds:
Conditions on the use of funds:
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Estimated Project Development Schedule
Please provide a timeline of your project milestones below. For a construction project (or as applicable), estimated
dates should be identified for major milestones such as: submitta l of a concept statement, anticipated NEPA clearance,
initiation of preliminary design, acquisition of right-of-way, completion of final design, planned project letting date, start of
construction, estimated construction completion date, completion of a final construction audit, and when final closure of
the project is expected. Add any additional milestones as appropriate for your project. Upon award and execution of a
project funding agreement, projects that fail to make satisfactory progress may be terminated by Iowa DOT.
DATE PROJECT MILESTONE
Has any part of this project been started? Yes No
If yes, please explain:
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The following documents and narratives must be submitted with this application. In the upper right
corner of each document or narrative write the corresponding letter shown below.
A. An APPLICATION FORM with all parts completed.
B. A NARRATIVE discussion of the project (five-page limit). Your narrative should incorporate
answers to the following questions.
1. Detailed Description of the Project: Provide a clear description of the concept of the
proposed project, including such information as existing site conditions, trail length,
number/acreage of parcels to be acquired, general construction activities planned, etc.
For a nonconstruction project, provide a summary of the planned activities to be part of
the project with a description of each. Remember to provide summary details of only the
project scope that is the subject of the funding request. Do not provide details of
completed or future phases of a project.
2. Impact of the Project: If this is an application to a regional program, what is the project’s
value to the region and how will it be a functional addition to the transportation system
and region as a whole if no additional development funds are received? If this is a
statewide or multi-regional project, assess the value of this project from a statewide or
multi-regional perspective. How does the proposed project meet the intent of the
program? Upon completion, will the proposed project contribute to the quality of life, utility
of the transportation system, or tourism appeal? What degree of planning has been
implemented to complete the project?
3. Alignment with Local, Regional, or Statewide Planning Documents: What is the
relationship of the proposed project to a local, regional, or statewide plan? For example,
how does the proposed project align with the Iowa Bicycle and Pedestrian Long-Range
Plan and any applicable adopted regional, county, or municipal trail plan? It is preferred
that links to documents publicly available online and specific page references be
provided.
4. Federal-aid Highway Project Development Process, Understanding, and Capacity: What
previous experience does existing project sponsor staff have with the federal-aid highway
project development process? Has past performance resulted in successful projects that
delivered the projects in a timely and compliant manner? Does existing staff have the
capacity to administer the proposed project? Has the project sponsor demonstrated an
understanding of the program rules? What strategies will be implemented to deliver the
proposed project successfully?
5. Contribution Toward Safety for All Transportation Modes: How would the proposed
project address the safety of all users such as those who walk, bike, drive, ride transit, or
travel by other modes? To what degree will the proposed project address any existing
safety needs or concerns?
6. Enhancement of Statewide Tourism Benefits: How will the proposed project enhance
tourism in Iowa by attracting visitors from out-of-state? What are the economic benefits of
the proposed project to the state?
7. Need for the Proposed Project: Why is the project needed in the area and what
population will it serve? How will the proposed project satisfy that need? Provide
adequate project justification based on existing or estimated future use of the facility. In
addition to general need, please focus on how the project impacts high need areas such
as low-income, transit-dependent, rural, or other areas? How will the proposed project
improve the overall mobility of these areas and how has this population been engaged in
the planning for the proposed project?
DOCUMENTATION AND NARRATIVE INFORAMTION
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8.Improve Accessibility: What efforts have been made to go beyond compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 to ensure the proposed project will be
accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities?
9.Long-Term Maintenance Plan: What arrangements have been made to continue
operation and maintenance of the proposed project after the project is complete? For
example, has a maintenance fund or an endowment been established?
10.Project Readiness: Is the project ready for development? Please describe efforts taken to
prepare for developing the project, How has the project sponsor prepared for the
proposed project by resolving any potential obstacles? Will the project proceed without
delay upon award of funding?
11.Public Input Process: Please describe the public input process that was followed and the
extent to which adjacent property owners and others have been informed of the proposed
project and an assessment of their acceptance. Also include discussion of any
partnerships among local organizations and stakeholders that this project may help to
facilitate or how these entities or individuals have contributed to the development of the
project concept or have committed financial or other support to the project.
12.To what degree will the proposed project fulfill the goals and/or priorities of the most
recent MPO long-range transportation plan?
C.A DETAILED MAP identifying the location of the project. The project scope should be clear
and the map may also include other important information referred to in the narrative such as
important transportation linkages, clearly marked completed or future project phases, etc. If
the project is a SRTS project, the map shall indicate the K-12 school(s) to be served by the
project, show a 2-mile radius of the school, identify neighborhoods served by the school, and
hazards for children to walk or bike to school. More than one map may be submitted if the
scope of the project is such that the desired detail is not feasible to be included on just one
map. Limit map sizes to no larger than 8.5-by-11-inches.
D.A SKETCH PLAN of the project, including cross section for bicycle or pedestrian facilities. If
the cross section of your facility varies across the project (width, number of lanes, etc.)
include a cross section for each situation and identify its location. (Required for construction
projects only.)
E.DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS (limit to five) that will help to explain the existing site conditions
of the proposed facility. It is not necessary to include photographs of all aspects or the entire
route of a project. Photos submitted should be representative of the project as a whole or
should support any particularly compelling or complex description included in the narrative
provided in item A above.
F.An ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN of the total project costs (reference Attachment A). This
documentation does not need to be a detailed, line item type estimate or formal engineer's
opinion of probable cost. However, it must accomplish two objectives: 1) it must show the
method by which the cost estimate was prepared; and 2) it must enable a reviewer to
determine if the cost estimate is reasonable. The manner in which these objectives are
achieved may vary widely depending on the type, scope, and complexity of the project.
Absent a fully itemized list of costs, some general guidelines for possible methods of
estimating each type of project cost are provided on Attachment A. The itemized breakdown
should reflect costs in the planned project execution year estimated in your time schedule
provided as part of item F below. It is preferable that this breakdown be provided by a
licensed professional. If not, it is the responsibility of the applicant to explain the rationale and
source of the assumptions used to develop the cost breakdown to allow a reviewer to have
confidence in their accuracy.
G.An OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT of the project from the authority to be responsible for the
project's maintenance and operation. The authority must provide written assurance it will
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Minority Impact Statement Form 105101 (02-20)
Pursuant to 2008 Iowa Acts, HF 2393, Iowa Code 8.11, all grant applications submitted to the State of
Iowa that are due beginning Jan. 1, 2009, shall include a Minority Impact Statement. This is the state's
mechanism for requiring grant applications to consider the potential impact of the grant project's
proposed programs or policies on minority groups.
Please choose the statement(s) that pertains to this grant application. Complete all the
information requested for the chosen statement(s). Submit additional pages as necessary.
The proposed grant project programs or policies could have a disproportionate or unique
positive impact on minority persons.
Describe the positive impact expected from this project:
Indicate which groups are impacted:
Women Persons with a disability Blacks Latinos Asians
Pacific Islanders American Indians Alaskan Native Americans Other__________
The proposed grant project programs or policies could have a disproportionate or unique
negative impact on minority persons.
Describe the negative impact expected from this project:
Present the rationale for the existence of the proposed program or policy :
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Provide evidence of consultation with representatives of the minority groups impacted :
Indicate which groups are impacted:
Women Persons with a disability Blacks Latinos Asians
Pacific Islanders American Indians Alaskan Native Americans Other__________
The proposed grant project programs or policies are not expected to have a disproportionate or
unique impact on minority persons.
Present the rationale for determining no impact:
I hereby certify that the information on this form is complete and accurate, to the best of my knowledge.
Name
Title
Definitions
"Minority Persons,” as defined in Iowa Code 8.11, means individuals who are women, persons with a
disability, Blacks, Latinos, Asians or Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaskan Native Americans.
“Disability,” as defined in Iowa Code 15.102, subsection 7, paragraph “b,” subparagraph (1):
b. As used in this subsection:
(1) "Disability" means, with respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual, a record of physical
or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the
individual, or being regarded as an individual with a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual.
"Disability" does not include any of the following:
(a) Homosexuality or bisexuality.
(b) Transvestism, transsexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gender identity
disorders not resulting from physical impairments or other sexual behavior disorders.
(c) Compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania.
(d) Psychoactive substance abuse disorders resulting from current illegal use of drugs.
“State Agency,” as defined in Iowa Code 8.11, means a department, board, bureau, commission,
or other agency or authority of the State of Iowa.
A. Narrative
1. Detailed Description of the Project
The project includes the construction of approximately 1.5 miles of 10-foot wide hard surface trail and
wide sidewalk along the west side of the Iowa River and Riverside Drive/Old Highway 218. This
trail/wide sidewalk segment will include connections to existing trail north of Benton Street and existing
wide sidewalk along McCollister Boulevard. In addition, connections are anticipated to the City’s
planned trail within the Highway 6 corridor, which recently received statewide TAP funding and will be
completed as a separate project. The Highway 6 trail/wide-sidewalk construction is anticipated to be
completed following the DOT’s reconstruction of the Highway 6 bridge over the Iowa River. Once
completed, this project is expected to provide a continuous trail connection along the west side of the
Iowa River from City Park at the north end to McCollister Boulevard on the south end.
2. Impact of the Project
The proposed trail/wide sidewalk segment provides an important piece to the overall regional trail and
sidewalk networks by completing the north/south network along the west side of the Iowa River. The
proposed trail runs through the heart of Iowa City and parallel to one of Iowa City’s busier roadways in
Riverside Drive. This trail/wide sidewalk segment provides a safe and efficient alternative for non-
vehicular users to access downtown Iowa City, the University of Iowa, Riverfront Crossings Park and
many other destinations. The proposed trail will also provide access for pedestrians, bicyclists and
others to the Iowa City Airport, which has been a goal of the Airport Commission.
3. Alignment with Local, Regional, or Statewide Planning Documents
The proposed trail and wide sidewalk segments are included in the 2017 Iowa City Bicycle Master Plan
and 2019 Metro Area Bicycle Master Plan. In addition, these segments are included in the City’s Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) as unfunded projects.
4. Federal-aid Highway Project Development Process, Understanding, and Capacity
City of Iowa City staff regularly administer federal-aid projects provided through a variety of programs.
City staff are familiar with the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Instructional Memorandums and
other resources for administering federal-aid programs, and the City intends to utilize these resources to
administer the proposed project should funding be awarded. This process has resulted in the City
consistently delivering successful projects utilizing federal-aid in a timely and compliant manner.
5. Contribution Toward Safety for All Transportation Modes
The proposed project provides a safe and efficient alternative for non-vehicular users that runs parallel
to one of Iowa City’s busier roadways. This trail connection would provide an important link for users to
residential and commercial areas, as well as parks, the University of Iowa and downtown Iowa City. The
proposed project will also provide a grade-separated crossing of Benton Street, separating trail users
from vehicles when crossing this heavily used corridor.
6. Enhancement of Statewide Tourism Benefits
The proposed trail segment will improve the efficiency and appeal of the regional trail network, which
could result in increased use by visitors to the community.
7. Need for the Proposed Project
The project will provide an important link in expanding the City and regional sidewalk and trail networks
for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized users. This includes commuters, students, and other
users seeking a safe and convenient way to access the University of Iowa, downtown Iowa City,
residential and commercial areas, parks and the larger transportation network. The trail segment will
also provide improved connections for residents in southern Iowa City, including the Iowa River Mobile
Home Community and Lake Ridge Estates.
8. Improve Accessibility
The proposed project will fill a gap in the City’s larger trail and sidewalk networks, creating more
efficient and effective routes and connections for non-vehicular users. The addition of a grade-separated
crossing under the Benton Street bridge and a connection to the future grade-separated crossing under
the Highway 6 bridges will also provide safe crossings of these busy streets, which can be a barrier for
some users.
9. Long-Term Maintenance Plan
A portion of the project will be maintained as a part of the City’s trail system. This includes consistent
staffing and equipment funded and maintained by the City of Iowa City. The wide sidewalk portion of
the project will be maintained similar to other sidewalks within Iowa City. Sidewalk maintenance will be
the responsibility of the adjacent property owner according to City code, while curb ramps will be
maintained by the City based on current practice.
10. Project Readiness
This project consists of three (3) separate projects that are currently on the Unfunded List within the
City’s Capital Improvement Program. The City has secured some of the needed easements for the
project through other processes and anticipates utilizing City right-of-way for a portion of the project to
minimize potential obstacles. It is anticipated the project can proceed without delay upon a notice of
award of funding.
11. Public Input Process
As a part of the project design, the City anticipates significant public outreach efforts to gather input
from the community. This would include communication with the general public, residents adjacent to
the corridor, trail users, bicycle groups and others.
12. Fulfill the Goals of the Most Recent MPO Long-Range Transportation Plan
The proposed trail segment exemplifies the vision of the current Future Forward Long Range
Transportation plan: “to ensure the strategic use of public investments and policies for the creation of a
safe, efficient, and equitable transportation network that enhances economic opportunity and growth
while preserving our environment and quality of life.” This project will fill in an existing gap within the
City’s trail and sidewalk networks, providing more options for efficient and effective travel for non-
vehicular users.
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Planned Trail
Alignment
Planned Trail/Wide
Sidewalk Alignment
Trail Segment Anticipated
to be Constructed with
Separate Project
Mormon Trek Blvd
McColli
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Highway 1 W
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Southgate Ave
W Benton St
E Benton St
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CITY OF IOWA CITY ENGINEERING
DIVISION
Looking East, South of Benton Street
Looking North From Highway 6
Looking South From Highway 6
Looking South Towards Sturgis Ferry Park
Looking South, South of Riverside Drive and Old Highway 218 Intersection
ITEM NO. ITEM DESCRIPTION UNIT UNIT PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL
1 IOWA RIVER TRAIL - BENTON STREET TO HIGHWAY 6 LS 1,700,000 1 $1,700,000
2 IOWA RIVER TRAIL - HIGHWAY 6 TO STURGIS FERRY PARK LS 1,180,000 1 $1,200,000
3 OLD HIGHWAY 218 TRAIL/WIDE SIDEWALK - STURGIS FERRY PARK TO MCCOLLISTER BOULEVARD LS 700,000 1 $700,000
$3,600,000
RIGHT-OF-WAY/EASEMENT ACQUISITIONS $100,000
DESIGN (APPROXIMATELY 15%) $550,000
TOTAL OPINION OF PROBABLE CONSTRUCTION COST $4,250,000
NOTE: Project segments and cost estimates are based on information included on the unfunded list of the current Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
2/24/2025
CONSTRUCTION SUBTOTAL
ESTIMATED BREAKDOWN OF TOTAL PROJECT COSTS
CITY OF IOWA CITY
IOWA RIVER TRAIL - WEST BANK PROJECT
CRP APPLICATION