SIMPCO Discusses Legislative Priorities in Nebraska
SIMPCO Executive Director Michelle Bostinelos recently traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska, to discuss key legislative priorities with state senators and other stakeholders.
Her visit was part of SIMPCO's ongoing efforts to advocate for policies that support regional cooperation, sustainable development, and enhanced quality of life in the tri-state region.
Presentations at the Nebraska Legislative Day included:
Department of Labor
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Economic Development
Department of Transportation
Games and Parks
Broadband
For more information on SIMPCO's legislative priorities, visit our website.
SRTS and IPTA Unite at the Capitols
Recently, Transit Director Brian Pearson of the Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) and the Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA) met with legislators at the Iowa State Capitol to discuss the importance of transit systems and advocate for increased funding. Their collaborative effort underscores a commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and ensuring reliable transit options.
Additionally, Brian and IPTA representatives traveled to Washington, D.C. on March 20-21 to meet with federal legislators, reflecting a comprehensive approach to securing resources for public transit systems and fostering a well-connected transportation network across Iowa and beyond.
Congratulations to the following applicants in the SIMPCO Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) that received funding through the Iowa Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternative Program (TAP), and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) for FY 2029.
METRO:
STBG
City of Sioux City | Bacon Creek Conduit Project - This project includes the replacement of a triple box culvert which has exceeded the remaining useful life. The triple 10'x11' RCB will be a full conduit reconstruction located between Correctionville Road and Gordon Drive from the Bacon Creek Chanel west of Lewis Boulevard to east of Rust Street. Awarded $3,800,000 in FY 2029.
TAP
City of Sioux City | Viaduct Connector Trail - Phase 1 - This project will include the construction of a connection of the Floyd/Plywood Trails to the future Bacon Creek Connector Trail. Awarded $1,015,200 in FY 2029.
CRP
City of Sioux City | Bacon Creek Channel Project - The proposed multi-use trail project aims to transform the Bacon Creek channel into a natural waterway, providing environmental benefits like wetland habitats. It will enhance bike/pedestrian access, create public greenspace, park amenities, and new economic opportunities. Awarded $148,000 in FY 2029.
City of Sioux City | Gordon Drive/Lewis Blvd Multi-use Trail Project - This project includes the construction of a 10' wide multi-use trail in conjunction with the Gordon Drive Viaduct Project. Connection from Gordon Drive to the Plywood Trail and Riverfront is included as part of the project. Awarded $115,000 in FY 2029.
RURAL:
STBG
SIMPCO Planning - These funds will be used to complete planning work items as outlined in the Transportation Planning Work Program. Awarded $48,000 in FY 2029
Woodbury County | Old Hwy 141 HMA Resurfacing - This project involves HMA resurfacing, including patching and pavement milling, from K-64 east to IA 141 on the west side of Smithland. It has been awarded $388,643, with an additional $120,000 granted as this amount was originally removed in FY 28.
Monona County | K45-Old Hwy 75 HMA Resurfacing - This project includes placing HMA pavement from the south of Whiting then south to the northside of Onawa. The project will overlay the road with 4-inches of new HMA. Awarded $1,520,000 in FY 2029.
Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) | Vehicle Cameras and Facility Floor Scrubber - This project entails installing a vehicle camera system in all vehicles currently without one, along with acquiring a facility floor scrubber for the bus storage and maintenance shop. Awarded $124,357 in FY 2029.
SRTPA (RPA) TAP Applications RE-OPENED!
Due Date: April 30th
The SRTPA (RPA) Policy Board has decided to re-open the Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Program (TAP) applications, giving rural communities another chance to apply for project funding. Applications will be distributed starting April 1 and must be submitted by April 30. The TAP applications will be reviewed and funds awarded at the May meeting. The available balance for FY 29 is $567,669.
Be sure to check ourSIMPCO websiteon April 1 for the application posting.
Questions? Contact SIMPCO Regional Planner, Nathan Kistner, at nathan@simpco.org.
Iowa & Nebraska Impact Maps
Discover the latest initiatives by SIMPCO in the region! The Iowa Association of Councils of Governments (ICOG) and the Nebraska Regional Officials Council (NROC) have developed impact maps available on their websites. These maps highlight the significant influence of Councils of Governments (COGs) across Iowa and Nebraska, showcasing a diverse range of projects, including the categories below:
Project Highlights:
Economic Development
Community Development
Housing
Transportation Planning
Disaster Recovery
Hazard Mitigation Planning
These impact maps provide visual representations of the efforts and achievements of SIMPCO and COGs across the states, serving as a testament to the collaborative spirit of regional planning.
To explore the impact maps, visit ICOG and NROC's websites:
Monona County Port Infrastructure Development Program Grant Administration
South Sioux City Signalized Crosswalk Study
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
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
April is Fair Housing Month, celebrating the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This month, we highlight the importance of equal housing opportunities and raise awareness about the rights and protections against housing discrimination. Let's work together to promote fair housing practices and build inclusive communities.
SIMPCO Housing Department Update
The SIMPCO Housing Division has been very active so far this year! We've completed four owner-occupied repair rehab projects using grant funds from the Iowa Finance Authority and Federal Home Loan Bank. These repairs included:
Replacing heating units
Repairing sewer issues
Updating electrical systems
Replacing siding and roofing
Addressing various water damage
These repair projects ensure that residents live in safe, comfortable, and well-maintained homes, contributing to the overall well-being of the communities we serve.
SIMPCO's housing division serves rural Woodbury, Plymouth, Ida, Cherokee, and Monona counties. Currently, we have six projects out for bid, six applications in process, one project under construction, and 65 applicants on the waitlist.
For more details on our housing programs, please contact Jenny Anderson, Housing Manager, at jenny@simpco.orgor visit our website.
Iowa Healthiest State Initiative
April's 5-2-1-0 Feature
This April, we encourage all communities to connect and engage in supporting healthy eating and active living. Join us in promoting the 5-2-1-0 message: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour of physical activity, and 0 sugary drinks each day.
Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association (IMFOA) Semi-Annual Conference
April 9-11 | Holiday Inn Airport - Des Moines
Join the IMFOA for an education training at their Spring Conference April 9-11. This event provides opportunities for networking, education, and exploring the vendor hall, with certification credit available.
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.
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 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.
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.
Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program - The IIJA created this program which provides grants to support legal, technical, and financial advisors to help advance infrastructure projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 17, 2025.
Community Connect Grants Program - Provides financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide, on a “community -oriented connectivity” basis, broadband service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety benefits. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 21, 2025.
Iowa Community Cultural Grant – Program to help cities, county governments, tribal councils and nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations to support the development of community programs that provide jobs for local Iowans while promoting Iowa’s cultural, ethnic and historical heritages through the development of festivals, music, drama, cultural programs and tourism projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due by April 22, 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.
Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Affordable Housing Program (IA) – Housing grants for homeownership, down payment assistance, rental housing, development projects, and rehabilitation/renovation. For more information, click here. Applications are due by May 1, 2025.
Iowa Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) - The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, allocates funds to reduce diesel emissions from fleets. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides 30% of the annual DERA funds to states and territories for grants, loans, or rebates aimed at significantly reducing diesel emissions using certified engine configurations or verified emission control technologies. For more information, click here. Applications are due May 9, 2025.
Iowa Thriving Communities Initiative – The initiative will provide communities that are leveraging innovative methods to attract housing opportunities for their workforce with a chance to be recognized for their efforts. The scoring points will be available through the end of the calendar year following the community’s designation as an Iowa Thriving Community. For more information, click here. Applications are due by May 12, 2025.
Iowa West Foundation (IA) – Community development, economic development, education, and human needs projects. For more information, click here. Applications are due January 15, 2025, May 15, 2025, and September 15, 2025.
Destination Iowa Fund - Funds will be awarded to cities, counties, and non-profit organizations proposing to invest in vertical infrastructure to create or expand existing Primary Destinations to increase tourism to the state.For more information, click here. Pre-applications are due by May 15, 2025.
Fund for Siouxland – Funding for arts & culture, civic affairs, education, health, and human services. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations and qualified units of government within a 50-mile radius of Sioux City. Grants generally do not exceed $5,000. For more information, click here. Applications are due by May 15, 2025.
Iowa Statewide TAP Supplementary Application Cycle for the Statewide Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TAP) - Eligible project activities continue to include a variety of smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, and community improvements such as historic preservation, vegetation management, and some environmental mitigation related to storm water and habitat connectivity. Safe Routes to School applications are not being accepted for this cycle. For more information, click here. Applications are due by May 16, 2025.
Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) & Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS), 6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, Iowa 51106, 712-279-6286
.png?upscale=true&width=1200&upscale=true&name=Copy%20of%20Letterhead%20Docs%20Banner%20in%20Bright%20Blue%20Bright%20Purple%20Classic%20Professional%20Style%20(5).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Blue%20Orange%20Simple%20Hello%20Summer%20Banner%20(15).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Copy%20of%20Blue%20Orange%20Simple%20Hello%20Summer%20Banner%20(2).png)
.jpg?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Copy%20of%20Red%20Elegant%20And%20Modern%20Were%20Hiring%20Photographer%20Facebook%20Post%20(2).jpg)
