Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) Transit Director Brian Pearson recently attended the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Annual Legislative Fly-In in Washington, D.C., alongside the Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA).
The Legislative Fly‑In provides a vital opportunity for transit leaders to meet directly with members of Congress and share the unique challenges and successes of rural, small‑city, tribal, and specialized transit systems. These conversations play an important role in shaping federal funding decisions, regulatory policies, and transportation appropriations that impact communities across the region.
Congratulations to the following applicants in the SIMPCO Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning Association (SRTPA) who received funding through the Iowa Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternative Program (TAP), and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) for FY 30.
Metro:
STBG Awards
City of Sioux City | Gordon Dr. Bacon Creek Conduit: $2,994,177 (FY 28), $4,107,000 (FY 29), and $3,107,000 (FY 30)
TAP Awards
City of Sioux City | Viaduct Connector Trail Phase 2: $344,187 (FY 30)
City of Sergeant Bluff | S. Lewis Blvd. Trail Loop Phase 1: $208,724 (FY 30)
CRP Awards
City of Sioux City | Bacon Creek Channel Multi-Use Trail: $1,056,253 (FY 30)
City of Sioux City | Gordon Dr./Lewis Blvd. Multi-Use Trail: $367,100 (FY 28) and $13,000 (FY 29)
City of Le Mars | 12th St. Project: $834,096 (FY 30)
Woodbury County | D12 IA 140 to City Limits of Pierson: $1,497,677 (FY 30)
TAP Awards
City of Marcus | Phase 2 of Marcus Trail Project: $240,000 (FY 30)
Communities with questions about potential STBG, TAP, or CRP projects are encouraged to contact Corinne at corinne@simpco.org or 712‑279‑6286.
Supporting Ida County Communities with Advanced GIS Mapping
The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) recently supported several Ida County communities through its GIS & Data Analysis services, using high-accuracy GPS equipment to map critical infrastructure assets. These efforts included detailed mapping of manholes, water and sewer mains, water valves, and other key utility features.
SIMPCO’s GIS team collected precise geographic coordinates in the field and converted the data into an interactive, web-based mapping platform. This tool allows community staff to easily view, manage, and toggle individual infrastructure layers, providing immediate access to accurate and up-to-date spatial information.
The enhanced mapping improves utility management, supports proactive maintenance planning, and strengthens emergency response capabilities for local governments. Key partners in the project included participating Ida County communities and local public works departments, with services supported through SIMPCO membership and GIS program resources.
To find out more or if you are interested in doing a similar project in your community, contact Ryan Brauer at ryan@simpco.org.
IWCI's First Friday Coffee
April 3 | Sioux City
Join Iowa’s West Coast Initiative on April 3rd for First Friday Coffee, hosted by Charmaine of Sewn 2 Dance, a custom dance costume business. Hear from local entrepreneurs as they share their ideas, discuss challenges, and seek feedback from attendees. Support small businesses and be inspired by the visions driving our local economy.
April 21 | SIMPCO
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a program designed to help entrepreneurs with tools and practical business education to continue growing their businesses to new heights.
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative (IWCI) and America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a FREE event featuring a Small Business Financial Strategies workshop from 11:00–11:50 a.m. The event will take place at SIMPCO, 6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, Iowa, and will be followed by an alumni panel from 12:00–1:00 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the program.
Alumni panelists:
- Nicki Werner of Jefferson Beer Supply - Cyndi Nelson of Hawks Coffee Shop
DAKOTA COUNTY RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (RED) COMMITTEE
📍 NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Exciting News for Transportation in Nebraska
SIMPCO is proud to share that the Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS)is now a Medicaid transportation provider in Nebraska - a big step forward for the communities we serve!
This will allow SRTS to support better:
Medically necessary and complex trips
Trips requiring additional care or assistance
Long-distance travel throughout the service area
Transportation should never be the reason someone misses the care or services they need. This milestone helps SRTS deliver more flexible, responsive, and inclusive transportation solutions for Medicaid-eligible riders throughout the region.
This milestone strengthens our partnership with the State of Nebraska and helps ensure transportation is not a barrier to accessing essential care and services.
SRTS Participates in Le Mars Disability Resources Fair
Earlier this week, SRTS Transit Manager Brenda Berens and Operations Manager Julie Kennedy attended the first-ever Disability Resources Fair in Le Mars, hosted by Life Skills Training Center. The free, public event connected individuals with disabilities and their families to local programs and services that promote independence and inclusion. SRTS was proud to participate and share information about its safe, dependable, and efficient public transit services.
Stay Compliant: Upcoming Open Meetings & Open Records Trainings
Under new state requirements, all newly elected and appointed officials must complete training on Iowa’s Open Meetings and Open Records laws (Chapters 21 and 22) within 90 days of taking office. To help our members meet these requirements, several organizations are hosting upcoming sessions.
Whether you are a new official or need a refresher on "Sunshine Laws," these webinars cover essential topics, including meeting notices, agenda requirements, closed sessions, and public record retention.
Training Opportunities:
Iowa State University Extension & Outreach
Dates: April 15 (noon), April 23 (4:00 PM), May 6 (4:00 PM), May 28 (noon)
MPO & SRTPA administration of funding for STBG, CRP, and TAP funding
Sioux City Lakeport Corridor Study Phase II
Monona County Port Infrastructure Development Program Grant Administration
Procurement for South Sioux City’s Dakota Avenue Study
Planning Sioux City Metro Bike to Work Day
Planning the Summer Trailblazer Challenge
Drafting the Transportation Planning Work Programs for the SRTP and MPO
Holstein Utility Mapping
ESF10 Document updates for Cherokee, Ida, and Plymouth counties
Sioux City Safe Routes to School Maps
Community Development:
Akron CDBG Administration
Hinton Zoning Code Update
Soldier Municipal Code Update
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Onawa Comprehensive Plan
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
Woodbury County CDBG Administration
Sioux City U.S. EDA Application
Help Us Spread the Word: Dakota County Home Repair Interest List
SIMPCO and Dakota County are exploring a potential Home Repair Program to assist low‑ to moderate‑income homeowners with essential repairs, including roofing, siding, windows, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and accessibility improvements.
Funding is not yet available, but we are gathering a list of homeowners who may be interested once the program opens. Your response helps us assess community needs as we prepare to apply for grant funding.
This is not an application - only an interest list.
Please share this information with residents and community partners.
FEMA BRIC Grant Opportunity - Key Information & Timing Concerns
FEMA has released the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program for FY 2024 and FY 2025, combining two years of funding into one cycle. About $1 billion is available nationwide to support infrastructure projects that reduce risk from natural hazards and climate impacts.
Eligible Activities Include:
Hazard mitigation infrastructure projects
Acquisition or relocation of structures in high‑risk areas
Building code adoption and enforcement (2021 or 2024 IBC/IRC)
Planning and capacity‑building activities (no FEMA‑approved local mitigation plan required for these)
Up to 5% of project costs may be used for management
Important Timeline & Uncertainty
The State has released its NOFO, but FEMA has not yet confirmed whether hazard mitigation plan reviews are moving forward following the recent federal shutdown. This creates uncertainty, as projects could later be found ineligible.
Notice of Intent due: April 10
Application review will begin shortly after
Benefit‑Cost Analysis (BCA) due by: May 22 This may be challenging for communities without an engineer already engaged.
What Communities Should Do
Communities should carefully consider project readiness, capacity, and risk before applying. SIMPCO is monitoring the situation and will share updates as they become available.
For questions or to discuss readiness, contact SIMPCO at 712‑279‑6286.
Community Catalyst Remediation Grant (IA) - Assists communities with the redevelopment or rehabilitation of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. For more information on the Community Catalyst Remediation Grant (IA), click here. Pre-applications are due by January 29, 2026. Applications are due by April 16, 2026.
IEDA Enhance Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) – Funds for capital projects, such as trails, libraries, community centers, pavilions, entertainment venues, museums, recreational facilities, and more. (Eligible: local governments and certain nonprofits). For more information on IEDA Enhance Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT), click here. Quarterly. Applications are due by January 15, 2026, April 15, 2026, July 15, 2026, and October 15, 2026.
South Dakota Industrial Park Road Grants – This program assists cities and towns with new industry coming to their communities and needs new or expanded access to the industry. For more information on the South Dakota Industrial Park Road Grants, click here. Applications are due by April 15, 2026, July 15, 2026, and October 15, 2026.
Rural Innovation Grant Program (IA) – Seeks to support creative ideas that address current issues and challenges faced by rural communities associated with the themes of community investment, growth, and connection. For more information on the Rural Innovation Grant Program (IA), click here. Applications open summer of 2026.
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 on the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, click here. Applications are due by April 30, 2026.
2026 Iowa CDBG Pilot Program & Grant Applications Now Open
Applications are now open for the 2026 CDBG Pilot Program, including Water, Sewer & Stormwater projects.
All applications must be submitted by May 22, 2026.
Below is a summary of eligible 2026 CDBG Pilot Program funding opportunities:
Water, Sewer & Stormwater:
Supports public infrastructure improvements such as water treatment, sanitary sewer systems, stormwater management, and related facilities that address health, safety, and environmental concerns.
Provides funding for community planning efforts, including comprehensive plans, housing studies, downtown or neighborhood plans, and other local or regional planning initiatives that guide future development.
Assists communities in providing essential public services for low- and moderate-income residents, including senior services, food access programs, transportation support, and other community-based services.
Streetscapes (Part of the Downtown Revitalization Fund):
Funds streetscape improvements in downtown areas, including sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and accessibility upgrades that support economic vitality and pedestrian-friendly environments.
Any SIMPCO member communities needing assistance with grant applications are encouraged to reach out to the SIMPCO Planning Department at 712‑279‑6286 or by emailing simpco@simpco.org.
Nuisance Abatement Conference
May 21 - Des Moines
The Iowa League of Cities is hosting its annual Nuisance Abatement Conference. This day-long event aims to provide education and resources on an issue that impacts all cities. The training covers various aspects of nuisance abatement processes, including how to handle abandoned properties.
🔗 For more information and to register for the nuisance abatement conference, click here.
Upcoming City Finance Workshop Series
The Iowa League of Cities is offering an upcoming City Finance 101 workshop series designed for city officials, staff, and anyone involved in municipal finances. This workshop provides a practical overview of budgeting, financial reporting, revenues and expenditures, and long-term financial planning.
Upcoming dates and locations:
April 30 – Atlantic, Iowa
July 23 – West Des Moines, Iowa
October 15 – Estherville, Iowa
Whether you’re new to city finance or looking for a refresher, this workshop offers valuable insight to help support informed financial decision-making in your community.
🔗 Learn more about the upcoming workshop series and register by clicking here.
The Economic Impact of Homes for Iowa
Homes for Iowa delivers more than housing—it supports local economies.
Program impact to date:
150+ homes built
$25–30 million added in assessed value
650+ individuals trained and employed
Each home helps communities:
Grow the local tax base
Support workforce needs
Encourage reinvestment
Address housing shortages tied to growth
Attainable housing is essential infrastructure for strong, sustainable communities.
As we head into April, we recognize Fair Housing Month, which marks the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Fair Housing Month is a time to reaffirm the importance of equal housing opportunities and to raise awareness about the rights and protections that prevent housing discrimination. Throughout April, we encourage communities to reflect on fair housing principles and continue working toward inclusive, accessible housing for all.
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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