The creation of SIMPCO was suggested by Cornelius Bodine, Jr., the first permanent City Manager of Sioux City. Present at the organizational meeting held on April 15, 1965, in the Sioux City council chambers were:
South Sioux City Mayor Ernest L. Albertsen
Sioux City Mayor James E. Reeder
Sergeant Bluff Mayor Lloyd H. Fymbo
Dakota City Mayor Charles E. Strong
North Sioux City Mayor Albert Streeter
Dakota County Commissioner Robert Blessing
Sioux City Planning Commissioner James Lepse
South Sioux City Planning Commissioner Marvin Harris
Ernest L. 'Ernie' Albertsen was elected chair at this meeting.
Reasons for SIMPCO's Formation:
Infrastructure Needs: Another Missouri River Bridge was needed between South Sioux City, Nebraska, and Sioux City, Iowa.
Federal Requirements: The 1962 Federal Highway Act required comprehensive, continuous, and cooperative transportation planning in urban areas with populations over 50,000. Non-compliance would result in the withholding of federal aid highway funds.
Regional Forum: A forum was needed to discuss urban area issues, problems, and opportunities, including transportation improvements, water supply and quality, wastewater treatment, flood control, and more.
Key Developments:
The 1965 Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act required project reviews for federal funding consistency with the comprehensive plan. SIMPCO's Technical Committee handled these reviews, leading to improvements in urban wastewater treatment, water supply, and more.
In response to economic disruption in the 1970s, SIMPCO helped develop the Siouxland Economic Re-adjustment Strategy, leading to the creation of the Siouxland Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) for job creation.
SIMPCO assisted in creating and staffing the Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS), providing vital mobility to rural aging and handicapped persons.
Transportation and Water Projects:
Successful transportation projects included the I-129 Bridge and Expressway, led by SIMPCO's first chair, South Sioux City Mayor Ernest L. Albertsen.
Water projects addressed Missouri River issues and flood control, with significant contributions from the Missouri River Preservation and Development Committee.
Challenges and Opportunities:
SIMPCO and the region face ongoing challenges and opportunities, including economic activities, infrastructure improvements, air service, and technology development. Despite conflicts and battles, SIMPCO has been very successful, thanks to great staff and exceptional leadership from board members.
As we commemorate 60 years of progress and collaboration, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to SIMPCO's journey. Together, we have built a stronger, more connected community, and we look forward to continuing this legacy of innovation and partnership for many years to come.
Capitol Days 2025
SIMPCO Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos had a productive month visiting state capitols. On January 29, she accompanied the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce to Des Moines, Iowa, where they met with Governor Reynolds, state legislators, and department heads. On February 4 and 5, Michelle joined the Dakota Valley Business Council in Pierre, South Dakota, for meetings with Governor Larry Rhoden, state legislators, and department heads. Finally, on February 25, the Iowa Association of Councils of Governments (ICOG) hosted a legislative breakfast at the capitol in Des Moines.
Topics of Discussion at the Legislative Events:
Workforce
Quality of life
Child care
Health care
Education
Economic development
Taxes
Flood mitigation
Housing
Infrastructure
Support of Councils of Governments (COGs)
Siouxland Chamber of Commerce with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds
Dakota Valley Business Council with South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden
Photo credit: Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
Iowa Association of Councils of Governments (ICOG)
Lunch and Learn Recap: Iowa Clean Water SRF General Nonpoint Source Loan Program
We were thrilled to welcome Ginger Murphy from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at our recent Lunch and Learn event. Ginger delivered a presentation on the Iowa Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) General Nonpoint Source (GNS) Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans for projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution, such as runoff from agricultural lands and urban areas.
Ginger covered the eligibility criteria, application process, and various types of projects that can be funded, including stream bank stabilization, wetland restoration, and remediation of storage tanks. She also shared inspiring success stories of projects that have made a significant impact on water quality in local communities.
For those interested in viewing the presentation slides or listening to a recording of the presentation, please contact SIMPCO at 712-279-6286.
Monona County Port Infrastructure Development Program Grant Administration
South Sioux City Signalized Crosswalk Study
Marcus Trail Grant Applications
Sioux City Metro Bike to Work Day 2025
Sioux City 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count
Community Development:
Akron CDBG Administration
Hinton Zoning Code Update
Soldier Municipal Code Update
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Onawa Comprehensive Plan
Onawa Downtown Housing Grant
Oyens Income Survey
Ute Urban Revitalization Plan
Marcus Urban Revitalization Plan
Akron U.S. EDA Application
Dakota City U.S. EDA Application
Moville Community Catalyst Building Remediation Grant Application
Kingsley Community Catalyst Building Remediation Grant Application
Emerson CDBG Administration
Ida Grove IDNR Derelict Building Grant Application
IEDA & IFA - New Unified Website!
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) are thrilled to unveil their brand-new, integrated website, a one-stop hub that seamlessly brings together all their programs and resources. This innovative platform is designed to make it easier than ever for you to discover and leverage the opportunities that will propel you toward achieving your aspirations.
March 5-7, 2025 | Younes North Conference Center, Kearney
The annual Nebraska Planning Conference provides local planning officials, planners, attorneys, and citizens, with the information necessary to apply sound planning principles in their counties, villages, and municipalities. The Conference offers many choices for learning from institute topics to hands-on charrettes. It is also an excellent time to network, meet new people, and catch up with old friends.
Iowa League of Cities: City Clerk Study Hall is Back for 2025!
March 12 | 10 AM | Webinar
The city clerk position is essential to the operations of any city because of the numerous and varied duties they fulfill, such as publishing meeting minutes, completing budget forms, managing city finances, responding to citizen needs and a host of other items. Recognizing the important job city clerks perform, the League is offering a webinar series to support new or less experienced clerks, City Clerk Study Hall. These webinars aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your role!
Understanding what brownfield are and how their redevelopment can kick-start community revitalization
Meeting your brownfield partners at NDEE, U.S. EPA, and KSU TAB and hear about free tools and resources they offer.
Learning about upcoming in-person workshops that will build on the topics introduced in this webinar, facilitate networking, and help you form new partnerships with your peers.
Nebraska government officials, community stakeholders, economic and community development organizations, community groups, and private citizens are encouraged to attend.
The Growing Sustainable Communities Conference offers innovation, education, inspiration, and collaboration on growing sustainable communities. Sessions feature presenters with a wide range of expertise, including representatives from federal, state, and local governments, along with business and academic leaders from across the country. In addition to learning sessions, the conference includes two keynote luncheons, mobile workshops, a breakfast plenary session, and more!
The Healthiest State Conference provides a dynamic space for learning, collaboration, and innovation in health and wellness.
Designed for HR professionals, wellness coordinators, and organizational leaders, the conference offers educational opportunities to advance workplace and community well-being. Attendees will gain insights into the latest wellness initiatives, connect with industry professionals, and access tools to drive meaningful change.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is pleased to announce the 2025 edition of the popular Introduction to Planning and Zoning for Local Officials workshops. These 3 hour-long workshops cover the essentials of land use planning and Iowa zoning law, featuring relevant examples, common situations, and a newly updated and revised curriculum for 2025. Workshop registration costs $65 per person, but if three or more participants from the same city, county, or nonprofit register, their registrations are discounted to $55 per person.
April 10-11 | Gateway Hotel & conference Center, Ames
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to connect with rural leaders and explore key topics like housing, economic development, workforce, and more at the 2025 Rural Summit in Ames on April 10-11! Held at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, this year's theme, "Rural Rocks! Energizing Communities through Connections," promises two dynamic days of inspiration, learning, and collaboration.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – Grants for investment in private businesses and agricultural producers to make their enterprises more energy efficient or to install renewable systems. With the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, this program has been improved and better funded, so now is the time to apply. (Eligible: private for-profit entities). For more information, click here. Quarterly, applications are due by March 31, 2025.
Iowa CDBG Water and Sewer Fund – Funds awarded through this annual competitive program assist cities and counties with projects such as sanitary sewer system improvements, water system improvements, water, and wastewater treatment facility projects, storm sewer projects related to sanitary sewer system improvements and rural water connections. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 1, 2025, July 1, 2025, October 1, 2025, and January 1, 2025.
South Dakota Recreational Trails Program (RTP) - Federal aid assistance program to help states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized trail use. The program provides up to 80 percent reimbursement funds for all kinds of recreational trail uses including, but not limited to: pedestrian use, biking, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, off road motorcycles, OHV and UTV riding, four wheeling, and snowmobiling.For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 5, 2025.
South Dakota Community Access Road Grants (SD) – This program is a means for small towns to pave or reconstruct important local roads such as their Main Street. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 15, 2025.
Community Catalyst Building Remediation (IA) – Grants to communities for the redevelopment, rehabilitation or deconstruction of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. Strong applications will show the potential of catalytic economic growth in the community; improve appearances & safety; make use of underutilized property, exhibit appropriate design standards; and be well-funded. Economic growth may include the creation of additional jobs, growth of new or existing businesses, development of new housing units, increase property values, or potential population growth. For more information, click here. Pre-applications are due by January 29. 2025. Application due by April 17, 2025.
South Dakota Industrial Park Road Grants – 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, 2025.
Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund – Charitable Giving Fund grants will be made available across communities served by Sparklight and the other Cable One family of brands (Fidelity Communications, Hargray and ValuNet Fiber) and will concentrate support in the following priority areas: Education & Digital Literacy; Hunger Relief & Food Insecurity; Community Development. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 30, 2025.
Discover Local Support Services with Findhelp.com
Findhelp.com is an excellent tool for communities to use, ensuring residents can easily access the support they need.
What Findhelp.com Offers:
Support & Social Services: Find the assistance you need quickly and easily.
Financial Assistance: Access programs that provide support for housing, utilities, and other essential expenses.
Essential Resources: Connect with services for food, housing, care, and transit.
Employment & Healthcare: Discover job opportunities and access medical care.
Community Coordination: Helping organizations, governments, and businesses manage and coordinate care, including medical and mental health.
Utilize Findhelp.com to empower your community and ensure everyone has access to the resources they need!
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of two respected former SIMPCO board members, Dale Petersen of Sergeant Bluff and Darrell Downs of Marcus.
Dale and Darrell were committed to their communities and SIMPCO. Their dedication and service have left a lasting impact, and their legacy will continue to inspire us.
Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time. We honor their memory and celebrate their lives, grateful for the time we shared with them.
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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