In observance of Labor Day, both SIMPCO and SRTS will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025.
We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 2. Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing holiday!
SIMPCO & SRTS Join Le Mars Chamber of Commerce
Welcome Event - September 17
We’re excited to be new members of the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce! Join us for a welcome event on Wednesday, September 17, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at 50 Central Ave, Suite 101, Le Mars.
Enjoy coffee and treats from Habitue Coffeehouse & Bakery and hear from SIMPCO Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos at 10:00 a.m., followed by SRTS Transit Director Brian Pearson, who will share insights on regional transit services.
We look forward to connecting with fellow Chamber members and the Le Mars community. Hope to see you there!
SIMPCO Executive Director Featured on Grow Siouxland
Michelle Bostinelos, Executive Director of SIMPCO, was recently featured on Grow Siouxland, the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce’s weekly radio program. Michelle joined the show to celebrate SIMPCO’s 60th Anniversary and highlight our ongoing commitment to regional planning and development throughout Siouxland.
Missed the episode? You can stream it anytime here.
SRTS Director Attends Tri-State Governors' Conference
Brian Pearson, Transit Director for Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS), along with SIMPCO Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos, Regional Planning Director Corinne Erickson, and Finance Director Joshua Bush, recently attended the 19th Tri-State Governors’ Conference hosted by the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Event Center in Dakota Dunes, SD.
The event featured Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, and South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden. The governors pledged support for key regional infrastructure priorities totaling $653 million in federal funding, including runway upgrades at the 185th Air Refueling Wing, improvements to Sioux City’s wastewater treatment plant, and a flood mitigation study for the Big Sioux River.
They emphasized cross-state collaboration to drive economic growth and secure a strong future for Siouxland.
DAKOTA COUNTY NEBRASKA HOUSING TRUST FUND (DCNHTF)
📍 NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SEPTEMBER 24 | 4:00 PM
SIMPCO 101
📍 SOUTH SIOUX CITY - CITY HALL
SEPTEMBER 25 | 9:30 AM
SRTPA POLICY BOARD
📍 SIMPCO
SEPTEMBER 25 | 10:00 AM
SIOUXLAND REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM (SRTS) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
📍 SIMPCO
SEPTEMBER 25 | 11:15 AM
WESTERN IOWA COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT REGIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND (WICIRHTF)
📍 SIMPCO
OCTOBER 2 | NOON
REGIONAL POLICY & LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
📍 SIMPCO
OCTOBER 8 | 7:30 AM
SIMPCO EXECUTIVE-FINANCE COMMITTEE
📍 SIMPCO
OCTOBER 8 | 1:30 PM
MPO TTC - SPECIAL MEETING
📍 SIMPCO
OCTOBER 9 | 1:30 PM
MPO POLICY BOARD - SPECIAL MEETING
📍 SIMPCO
SIMPCO Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Amendments
The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is in the process of amending the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan with approval scheduled for October 9, 2025. The Long-Range Transportation Plan is a guiding document of information on existing transportation related systems and to project future needs based on locally derived goals, and objectives to support growth in the region. The amendments include:
Table 8.4 Historical and Projected Federal and State Funding needs to be updated to show NHPP-NE projected funds for 2025-2035 to $98,000,000.
Table 8.10 Proposed DOT’s Projects 2025-2035 needs to be updated to program NE DOT Maintenance & Preservation project at a total estimated cost of $123,600,000 with $98,000,000 Federal participation (NHPP-NE) and $25,600,000 state funds.
On request, SIMPCO can provide a hard copy of the document, or it may be viewed at the SIMPCO office: 6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA
SIMPCO staff will be providing public input open house to review and comment on the proposed 2045 LRTP amendment on October 1, 2025, from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at SIMPCO (6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA). The public may also participate electronically, please contact SIMPCO for login information.
Please submit all comments on the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan amendments to Michelle Bostinelos, Executive Director, SIMPCO: (712) 279-6286 or by email at mbostinelos@simpco.org. The public comment period ends on October 6, 2025.
SIMPCO MPO Public Input meetings are open to all individuals. Any person with special needs requiring reasonable accommodation or transportation to participate in a Public Input meeting should contact the SIMPCO office at 712-279-6286 at least two (2) business days prior to the meeting.
The MPO Policy Board will be voting on the following TIP amendments at the upcoming meeting on September 4, 2025:
Sioux City Transit System Transit Maintenance Garage Facility Renovation needs to be programmed for a total estimated cost of $12,660,351 with $10,128,281 Federal participation (Section 5339) in FY 2026.
The City of Sioux City 6th Street Bridge project needs to be programmed for a total of $3,000,000 with $1,200,000 Federal participation (HBP) and $300,000 State participation (SWAP-HBP) in FY 2026.
South Dakota DOT Northshore Drive Realignment project needs to be programmed for a total estimated cost of $27,000,000 with $16,340,000 Federal participation (Congressionally delegated) in FY 2026.
The meeting will be held on September 4, 2025 at 1:30 p.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.
The MPO 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.
Kudos to Marcus!
The city has been awarded a $4,500 grant from the Cherokee County Legacy Foundationto help replace the carpeting in the public library—creating a more inviting and comfortable space for the entire community. We're proud that SIMPCO played a role in supporting the city’s successful grant application!
Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) Updates Brochures!
We’re excited to share that the Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) has updated its brochures for services and fares across the counties we serve!
These updated brochures provide clear, easy-to-understand information about transit options, fare structures, and how to access services in your area. Whether you're a regular rider or new to public transit, these resources are designed to help you navigate SRTS with confidence.
Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury Counties (excluding Sioux City) in Iowa
Dakota County in Nebraska
Southern Union County in South Dakota
We encourage all community members to take a look and share with anyone who may benefit from reliable, affordable transportation in Siouxland.
SRTS Spotlighted in Le Mars Sentinel for Serving Community Needs and Planning Future Expansion
The Le Mars Sentinel recently featured Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) as a vital service for Le Mars residents. Riders like Jennifer Keleher and Kyler Sudtelgte shared how SRTS helps them access work, programs, and daily necessities — making independent living possible. Drivers such as Willy Plendl and Darla Jurrens, both retired professionals, expressed how rewarding it is to serve their community through SRTS.
With Plymouth County accounting for 30% of SRTS ridership, Transit Director Brian Pearson announced plans for a new satellite bus facility and transit office in Le Mars by 2028. The proposed $2.5 million project will expand services and improve access for residents.
SRTS, operated by SIMPCO, serves communities across northwest Iowa, southeast South Dakota, and northeast Nebraska. The service runs Monday through Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and supports a wide range of trip purposes—from school and work to medical appointments and shopping.
Read the full story in the Le Mars Sentinel to learn how SRTS continues to make a meaningful impact in the region. 🔗 click here.
Open Meetings Training for Iowa Officials
The Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB) is offering ongoing training sessions on open meetings and open records, in accordance with HF 706. This law, enacted during the 2025 legislative session, requires all newly elected officials and newly appointed members of boards and commissions to complete the training within 90 days of taking office.
Procurement for South Sioux City’s Dakota Avenue Study
Community Development:
Akron CDBG Administration
Hinton Zoning Code Update
Soldier Municipal Code Update
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Onawa Comprehensive Plan
Ute Urban Revitalization Plan
Marcus Urban Revitalization Plan
Akron U.S. EDA Application
Le Mars U.S. EDA Application
South Sioux City U.S. EDA Application
Emerson CDBG Administration
Emerson Blight and Substandard Study
Larrabee Municipal Code Update
Hubbard Comprehensive Plan
Woodbury County Conservation Needs Assessment
Larrabee CDBG Administration
Castana CDBG Administration
Supporting City Clerks: Upcoming Study Hall Webinars
September 3 & December 3
City clerks play a vital role in the smooth operation of local government, handling everything from budgets and meeting minutes to citizen services. To support new and less experienced clerks, the Iowa League of Cities is launching the City Clerk Study Hall webinar series designed to build confidence and strengthen skills for success in the role.
September is National Preparedness Month is a time to focus on getting ready for disasters before they happen.
SIMPCO helps communities across the Siouxland region prepare for and recover from emergencies by supporting the creation of Hazard Mitigation Plans, which are required to qualify for FEMA’s pre-disaster funding.
We also provide a central hub of Disaster and Recovery Resources for our member communities. This includes:
Local updates and disaster proclamations
FEMA contact information and available services
The Resilience Toolkit—a guide for businesses, governments, and organizations to navigate and plan for crises
Join thousands across the state for the 15th Annual Healthiest State Walk on Tuesday, October 1, 2025! Walk for 30 minutes to boost your physical and mental health, and be part of a movement toward a healthier Iowa.
This event, presented by Delta Dental of Iowa, will be held on Wednesday, October 1.
Register yourself or your group today and help spread the word in your community!
Join planning professionals from across Iowa and the region in Ankeny, October 8–10, 2025, for the APA Iowa Chapter Conference at the FFA Enrichment Center.
This year’s keynote speakers include Dr. Lisa Coleman, President of Adler University, and Dr. Claire Muselman, Founder and President of Dr. Claire Mulseman (DCM). Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and energized as you help shape the next generation of great Iowa communities.
SPARK Leadership Grant - Provides targeted funding for rural communities to host soft skills-based leadership trainings. Funded by Alliant Energy, the program aims to strengthen leadership capacity and collaboration across rural Iowa. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 19, 2025.
Iowa Arts Council Art Project Grant (Fall Round) - Provides financial incentives to Iowa artists, art educators, and qualifying organizations to support a wide variety of arts-related activities. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 23, 2025.
GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness - Midwestern organizations can request up to $15,000 to bring a professional artist into their community and host creative, engaging public activities. For more information, click here. Letter of intent to apply is due by September 15, 2025. Applications due By September 29, 2025.
Iowa Tourism Grant - Provides funding for tourism-related marketing initiatives, events, and meetings that support both local economies and the statewide tourism industry. Funded projects should aim to attract visitors, enhance the overall tourism experience, and promote Iowa as a travel destination. For more information, click here. Applications are due by September 30, 2025.
IDOT FFY 2025 City Bridge Program – For this funding cycle, funds were available to offer assistance to bridges that had 20 or more priority points. The Iowa DOT annually makes Federal aid and State funds available for the purposes of reducing the number of “Poor” bridges (formerly known as Structurally Deficient or Functionally Obsolete bridges) on the local roadway system. Bridges are ranked to receive funding based on a priority point system explained in Local Systems I.M. 1.100, Federal and State Bridge Programs. For more information, click here. Requests for FY 2026 are due by October 1, 2025.
IDOT FFY 2027 Federal Recreational Trails Program - Provides grant funding for trails and trail-related projects. Funds are intended for recreational trails. They may not be used to improve roads for general passenger vehicle use or to provide shoulders or sidewalks along roads. For more information, click here. Applications are due by October 1, 2025.
South Dakota Industrial Park Road Grants (SD) – This program is a means to assist cities and towns that have a new industry coming to their community and need new or expanded access to the industry. For more information, click here.Applications are due by April 15, July 15, and October 15, 2025.
South Dakota Agri-Business Access Grant (SD) – This program is a means for local governments to address road needs associated with new agri-business, such as ethanol plants, large-scale elevators, etc. In many cases, these new agri-businesses create additional truck traffic that an existing road may not be built to take. For more information, click here.Applications are due by April 15, July 15, and October 15, 2025.
Iowa Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program – The EIRLP provides low-interest loans for energy infrastructure projects that facilitate electricity or gas generation, transmission, storage, or distribution. For more information, click here. Applications are due by January 9, April 3, July 24, and October 30, 2025.
Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund – Funding support available for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and governmental units that advance social progress in areas served by the Cable One family of brands. Funding to be concentrated in the following priority areas: education & digital literacy, hunger relief and food insecurity, and community development. For more information, click here. Applications are due by October 31, 2025.
Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) & Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS), 6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, Iowa 51106, 712-279-6286
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