Public
Notices

March 31st, 2025

SIMPCO Announces Draft Safe Streets and Roads for All Safety Action Plan for Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff

The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) has developed a draft Transportation Safety Action Plan for Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff with approval scheduled for April of 2025. The draft document can be viewed on SIMPCO’s website at the following link: 

https://simpco.org/news/tag/current-projects

SIMPCO staff are seeking public input during the review of the draft plan. Residents of Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff are encouraged to submit comments using the link or QR code below to contribute their comments between Monday, March 31ˢᵗ and Monday, April 14ᵗʰ, 2025.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SafetyPlanSCSB

Key highlights of the draft plan:
•  Data driven safety analysis: The plan uses historical crash
data and local input to identify and prioritize safety improvements.
•  Community engagement: Input from residents and members of the steering committee was integral to 
the planning process.
•  Targeted strategies: The plan outlines potential projects and strategies to address the most significant safety risks.
•  Vision Zero Commitment: The ultimate goal is to achieve zero roadway fatalities or serious injuries.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant is a program from U.S. Department of Transportation aimed at reducing serious injuries and fatalities with the eventual goal of zero serious injuries 
or fatalities on the transportation network. By adopting this plan and committing to the Vision Zero goal, Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff will be eligible to apply for implementation funding through the SS4A program. Projects included in an adopted transportation safety action plan are 
eligible expenses for implementation grant funding through the SS4A program.

Questions and comments can also be submitted to Corinne Erickson, Regional Planning Manager at SIMPCO by phone at 712-223-8686 or by email at corinne@simpco.org.

January 23, 2025

Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) Announces New Officer Elections for Boards and Committees

Sioux City, Iowa – January 23, 2025 – The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) is pleased to announce the election of new officers for its Board of Directors and various boards and committees. These elections mark a significant step in our ongoing commitment to effective governance and community engagement.

Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) Board of Directors:

• Chairman: Jon Winkel, Mayor, City of Sergeant Bluff
• Vice Chairman: Dan Moore, Councilman, City of Sioux City
• Secretary: Kelly Kreber, Mayor, City of Hinton
• Treasurer: Lance Hedquist, City of Administrator, City of South Sioux City

Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) Board of Directors:

• Chairman: Vince Phillips, Supervisor, Monona County
• Vice Chairman: Devlun Whiteing, Supervisor, Ida County

Western Iowa Community Improvement Regional Housing Trust Fund:

• Chairman: Vince Phillips, Supervisor, Monona County
• Vice Chairman: Devlun Whiteing, Supervisor, Ida County

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Technical Committee (TTC):

• Chairman: Aaron Lincoln, City Administrator, City of Sergeant Bluff
• Vice Chairman: Thomas Rohe, Engineer, Plymouth County

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Policy Board:

• Chairman: Ken Beaulieu, Chairman, Dakota Dunes CID
• Vice Chairman: Craig Anderson, Supervisor, Plymouth County

Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC):

• Chairman: Jeff Williams, Engineer, Ida County
• Vice Chairman: Thomas Rohe, Supervisor, Plymouth County

Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) Policy Board:

• Chairman: Vince Phillips, Supervisor, Monona County
• Vice Chairman: Devlun Whiteing, Engineer, Ida County

These individuals bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their respective roles, and we are confident in their ability to lead our organization towards continued regional and community success. SIMPCO looks forward to collaborating with these officers and board members to enhance the quality of life in our region, address local challenges, and seize opportunities for growth and development. Together, we aim to foster a thriving, resilient region that benefits all residents.

For more information, please contact: Michelle Bostinelos, SIMPCO Executive Director, mbostinelos@simpco.org or by calling 712-279-6286.

January 20, 2025

SIMPCO Metropolitan Planning Organization

2050 Long Range Transportation Plan

The SIMPCO Metropolitan Planning Organization is in the process of developing the draft 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) with approval scheduled for January of 2026.

SIMPCO staff is seeking public input during the development of this plan. Residents of the MPO are encouraged to fill out the survey at the link or QR code below to contribute their comments between January 6th and January 31st, 2025.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCMetroTransportation

The 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan is a tool for developing safe and efficient transportation improvements in the metro area for the next 25 years. These improvements encompass all modes of transportation, including public transit, bicycle and pedestrian travel, rail, air service, and streets and highways. This document provides a vision for the future of the metro area’s transportation system as well as direction and guidance for transportation investment decisions over this period.

The SIMPCO Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) area includes Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Woodbury County, and Plymouth County in Iowa; Dakota Dunes CID, North Sioux City, and Union County in South Dakota; and Dakota City, South Sioux City, and Dakota County in Nebraska.

Questions and comments can also be submitted to Corinne Erickson, Regional Planning Manager at SIMPCO by phone at 712-223-8686 or by email at corinne@simpco.org

January 17, 2025

Request for Proposals Notice

From: Nathan Kistner, Regional Planner

SRTPA Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Projects Request for Proposals

SIMPCO, as the Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA), the Regional Planning Affiliation (RPA) consisting of the cities of Le Mars and Cherokee, Iowa, and the counties of Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury, Iowa, is seeking TAP project proposals. Based upon the recommendation of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), the SRTPA Policy Board directed staff on November 21, 2024, to solicit TAP projects for the 2029 Federal Fiscal Year. Please note that all proposals are due February 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

All TAP projects proposed must be consistent with the SRTPA Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Additionally, if approved, all Federal-aid transportation improvements in the planning area must be included in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The Policy Board and TAC will meet to review project proposals once the target amounts have been received from the Iowa DOT, tentatively in February or March. This will allow the development of the draft SRTPA Transportation Improvement Program FY 2026 – 2029. The final TIP should be approved at the June meetings, after a 15-day public comment period has been provided.

Completed applications can be mailed, faxed or emailed to SIMPCO. A digital application is available to download on the SIMPCO website at:

SRTPA TAP: http://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-programs/

During the last application cycle, approximately $220,000 in TAP funds were allocated to the SRTPA RPA for FY 2028.

SRTPA has a formal TAP application process that has been enclosed with the Request for Proposal. Please review the process document before completing the application.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 712-570-5127 or email me at nathan@simpco.org.

January 17, 2025

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NOTICE

From: Nathan Kistner, Regional Planner

SRTPA Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Projects Request for Proposals SIMPCO, as the Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA), the Regional Planning Affiliation (RPA) consisting of the cities of Le Mars and Cherokee, Iowa, and the counties of Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury, Iowa, is seeking STBG project proposals. Based upon the recommendation of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), the SRTPA Policy Board directed staff on November 21, 2024, to solicit STBG projects for the 2029 Federal Fiscal Year. Please note that all proposals are due February 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

All STBG projects proposed must be consistent with the SRTPA Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Additionally, if approved, all Federal-aid transportation improvements in the planning area must be included in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The Policy Board and TAC will meet to review project proposals once the target amounts have been received from the Iowa DOT, tentatively in February or March. This will allow the development of the draft SRTPA Transportation Improvement Program FY 2026 – 2029. The final TIP should be approved at the June meetings, after a 15-day public comment period has been provided.

Completed applications can be mailed, faxed or emailed to SIMPCO. A digital application is available to
download on the SIMPCO website at:

SRTPA STBG: http://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-programs/

During last year’s application cycle, approximately $2,326,000 of STBG funds were allocated to the SRTPA RPA for FY 2028.

SRTPA has a formal STBG application process that has been enclosed with the Request for Proposal.

Please review the process document before completing the application.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 712-570-5127 or email me at nathan@simpco.org.

January 10, 2025

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NOTICE

To: MPO Transportation Technical Committee - Iowa Members

From: Ryan Brauer, Regional Planner

MPO Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Projects Request for Proposals

SIMPCO, as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Sioux City Metropolitan Area, is seeking TAP Projects Request for Proposals. Based upon the recommendation of the Transportation Technical Committee (TTC), the MPO Policy Board directed staff on November 7, 2024, to solicit TAP projects for 2029 Federal fiscal year. Please note that all proposals are due February 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

All TAP projects proposed must be consistent with the SIMPCO MPO 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. Additionally, if approved, all Federal-aid transportation improvements in the Sioux City Metropolitan Planning Area must be included in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The Transportation Technical Committee and Policy Board will meet to review project proposals and approve selected projects on March 5th, 2025 and March 6th, 2025. This will allow the development of the draft MPO Transportation Improvement Program FY 2026 – 2029.The final TIP should be approved at the July Policy Board and TTC meeting, after a 15 day public comment period has been provided.

Complete applications can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to SIMPCO. A digital application is available to download on the SIMPCO website at: http://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-programs/

During the last TAP application cycle, approximately $281,000 of TAP funds were allocated to the SIMPCO MPO for FY 2028.

SIMPCO has a formal STP/TAP application process that has been enclosed with the Request for Proposal.

Please review before completing.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ryan Brauer at 712.224.8915 or by email at Ryan@simpco.org.

January 10, 2025

Request for Proposals Notice

To: MPO Transportation Technical Committee - Iowa Members

From: Ryan Brauer, Regional Planner

RE: MPO Surface Transportation Block Grant Program/Carbon Reduction Program (STBG/CRP) Projects Request for Proposals

SIMPCO, as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Sioux City Metropolitan Area, is seeking STBG/CRP Projects Requests for Proposals. Based upon the recommendation of the Transportation Technical Committee (TTC), the MPO Policy Board directed staff on November 7, 2024, to solicit STBG/CRP projects for the 2029 Federal fiscal year. Please note that all proposals are due February 7, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

 

All STBG/CRP projects proposed must be consistent with the SIMPCO MPO 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. Additionally, if awarded, all Federal-aid transportation improvements in the Sioux City Metropolitan Planning Area must be included in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The Transportation Technical Committee and Policy Board will meet to review project proposals and approve selected projects on March 5th, 2025 and March 6th, 2025. This will allow the development of the draft MPO Transportation Improvement Program FY 2026 – 2029. The final TIP should be approved at the July Policy Board and TTC meeting, after a 15 day public comment period has been provided.

 

Completed applications can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to SIMPCO. A digital application is available to download on the SIMPCO website at: http://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning/transportation- improvement-programs/

 

During last year’s application cycle, approximately $2.807 million of STBG and $267,000 of CRP funds were allocated to the SIMPCO MPO for FY 2028.

SIMPCO has a formal STBG/CRP application process that has been enclosed with the Request for Proposal. Please review before completing.

 

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ryan Brauer at (712) 224-8915 or by email at ryan@simpco.org.

If you would prefer a hard copy of the application, please contact ryan@simpco.org

The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) will host the Tri-State Legislative Forum from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at SIMPCO 6401 Gordon Drive in Sioux City, Iowa and via Zoom. Registration is required for virtual participation. Please call/email SIMPCO to register and obtain Zoom login information at 712-279-6286 or tonia@simpco.org.

This is a unique forum as it is the only one of its kind in the Siouxland area, inviting State Legislators from Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The topics and speakers this year will include:

• Sioux City Community School District: Career Academy
  • Leslie Heying, Director of Communications
  • Kelsey Miller, Family and Consumer Science Teacher
• SIMPCO Activities and Legislative Priorities
  • Michelle Bostinelos, Executive Director, SIMPCO
• Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Educational Reporting System (NSWERS)
  • Dr. Matt Hastings, Executive Director
  • Dr. Leah Barrett, President, Northeast Community College
• Iowa Finance Authority: Overview of Housing Programs
  • Nichole Hansen, Policy and Partnership Manager
• The Council of State Governments: Midwest Trends in Property Tax Relief
  • Tim Anderson, Director of Policy & Research

For more information concerning the Tri-State Legislative Forum, contact SIMPCO at 712-279-6286.

The SRTPA Policy Board will be voting on the following TIP amendment at the upcoming meeting on November 21, 2024:

1. Siouxland Regional Transit System needs to program the installation of cameras on 41 buses and 2 vans, bus storage and shop floor scrubber and remove new forklift (TPMS #10988) for a total estimated cost of $215,000 with $172,000 Federal participation (STBG) in FY 2025.

The meeting will be held on November 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. in the SIMPCO Board Room (6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City) and via Zoom.   To participate electronically, please email or call SIMPCO to obtain the meeting ID and password.   simpco@simpco.org or by phone at 712-279-6286.

Questions or comments on the proposed TIP amendments or modifications should be directed to Michelle Bostinelos, Executive Director, 712-279-6286.

To view the current TIP, visit the SIMPCO website: https://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning (Scroll to the bottom of the page and view the SRTPA TIP.)

The SRTPA Policy Board meetings are open to all individuals.  Any person with a special need requiring reasonable accommodation or transportation to participate in a Policy Board meeting should contact the SIMPCO office at 712-279-6286 at least two (2) business days prior to the Policy Board meeting.

Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) and the City of Sioux City are working together on the South Lakeport Street Corridor Study. The objective is to identify methods to reduce congestion and enhance mobility and safety along sections of South Lakeport Street and Sergeant Road.

The study area for this project includes South Lakeport Street from Morningside Avenue to Singing Hills Boulevard and Sergeant Road from South Lakeport Street to Southern Hills Drive. The Sergeant Road/Best Buy access road and the Sergeant Road/Houlihan Run intersections are also included.

This South Lakeport Street and Sergeant Road corridor provides access to work, schools, shopping centers, and homes. Sections along these corridors see more than 20,000 vehicles every day and this number is anticipated to increase over the next several years. Now, planning to improve that travel experience is underway and public input is needed.

The project team has put together an online survey for the public to pinpoint current transportation challenges and opportunities they experience along the corridor a majority of the time. This study will address average travel times and not those during peak seasons. 

The project team hopes to get responses from diverse voices within the region so the final design solutions will work for all users - whether walking, biking, riding, or driving. The public can also sign up to receive email updates, including information on the study recommendations and benefits.

The survey is available at bit.ly/southlakeport and will remain open through Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.

For more information, please contact Ryan Brauer with SIMPCO at ryan@simpco.org.