U.S. Highway 20 — our vision and our future
This news release was added to the website on May 11, 2009
From the Fort Dodge Messenger – submitted by Shirley Phillips, US 20 Corridor Association President
Longtime campaign to make thoroughfare four lanes statewide is on track

POSTED: May 10, 2009
Four Lane U.S. Highway 20 - a vital part of our future - is becoming a reality. Although proponents of this expansion have been working on the project since the 1960s, now, more than ever, we are seeing the fruits of our labor.

http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/515125.html?nav=5089

Sioux City Journal Editorial: Highway 20 Progress Continues
This news release was added to the website on March 20, 2009
March 19, 2009

We have criticized much of what's in the nearly $800 billion federal economic "stimulus" bill as wasteful spending. Excluded from our criticism, however, have been major road and bridge projects.

Improving America's aging, inadequate and deteriorating network of roads and bridges not only is essential to the nation, but those kinds of projects put people to work and generate both short- and long-term economic benefits for affected towns, cities and states. If federal stimulus money must flow from Washington, using it to build and repair roads and bridges strikes us as valuable and cost-effective.

Read more here.

King Secures New Funding For Highway 20
This news release was added to the website on March 14, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Steve King today announced that a federal appropriation for Highway 20 in western Iowa has been included in H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009. President Obama signed the legislation into law Wednesday.

King secured $570,000 for continued construction of a four-lane U.S. 20 in northwest Iowa from the county line of Sac and Calhoun counties to Moville. This funding brings total federal funding secured for Highway 20 construction in western Iowa to more than $26,000,000 during Congressman King’s time in Congress. The four-lane project will increase traveler safety and economic development and stem population loss in one of Iowa’s most productive regions.

"For decades, many of us in northwest Iowa have been working together to four-lane Highway 20," said King. "We turned hope into a promise. A promise has now become a plan and soon it will be a reality. This funding continues the process of turning that hope into a reality."

In requesting funding for this project, Congressman King complied with all earmark transparency standards, including a Congressional record submission that includes the name of the request and a description of how the funds will be spent.

When Congressman King initially requested the funding in early 2008, he did so with the understanding that his requests, and those of other members, would be addressed by the House through the normal appropriations process. Instead, all member requests were lumped into a single, 1,222 page, $410 billion spending bill that was written behind closed doors, with no legislative review or formal member input. The bill was made available for public scrutiny less than 48 hours before Members voted on it.

As a result, Congressman King opposed H.R. 1105 during House consideration of the bill on February 25. The $410 billion "omnibus" spending bill significantly expands the federal deficit and funds the federal government for a mere seven months. That’s over $58.5 billion in taxpayer dollars per month.

LATHAM WORKS TO EXPAND HIGHWAY 20 IN WEBSTER AND CALHOUN COUNTIES
This news release was added to the website on March 14, 2009

CONGRESSMAN LATHAM SECURES FEDERAL FUNDS TO EXPAND HIGHWAY TO FOUR LANES

WASHINGTON, DC – Iowa Congressman Tom Latham has secured $855,000 in federal funds to expand to four lanes a 20-mile segment of Highway 20 in Webster County and Calhoun County. Currently, that stretch of the highway has only two lanes.

"This project will allow for smoother travel across Iowa, and it’ll make the transport of people and goods more convenient," Congressman Latham said. "An improved and modernized infrastructure will pay dividends for Iowa long into the future."

The funds will go to the Iowa Department of Transportation, which will oversee the project.

The funds were included in an omnibus appropriations bill that passed the House on Feb. 25 and in the Senate on March 10. The bill must still gain the approval of the president before it can become law, which is expected in the next few days.

Governor Promises to Veto Fuel Tax Increase
This news release was added to the website on March 8, 2009

In a blow to advocates for improved transportation infrastructure in Iowa, Governor Chet Culver today said he will veto a fuel tax increase if it reaches his desk. As a result of his action, this legislation supported by highway coalitions across the state appears to be off the table this legislative session.

In a press release, Culver’s statement reads, "The fact is we have better alternatives when it comes to improving Iowa’s roads and bridges than making Iowans pay more money at the pump. President Obama’s federal recovery plan provides Iowa with over $350 million for transportation. And my own jobs and infrastructure proposal will include another $250 million for transportation, especially for road safety and deficient bridges.

"I will not sign an increase in the gas tax, I will not make Iowans pay higher taxes, and I want legislators to know this before spending time on an issue when we have more pressing concerns."

The US 20 Corridor Association joined with other highway coalitions in support of a fuel tax increase because it is more accurately described as a user fee. Those who use Iowa’s roads more, regardless of where they reside, pay more for their maintenance and expansion of the system.

In a story posted on the Des Moines Register website on March 6, 2009, it says Senator Tom Rielly, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, declared the fuel tax study bill dead. Senator Rielly has previously gone on the record saying the increase is the most fair and equitable way to help pay for billions of dollars in needed road repairs in the future.

The fuel tax was included as one of several potential means for raising revenue for Iowa transportation in TIME-21, a study commissioned by the Legislature. In the study, Iowa’s Department of Transportation identified significant revenue shortages. Legislative action in 2008 resulted in an increase in registration fees but did not meet all the needs detailed in TIME-21.

Without a fuel tax increase as possible means for meeting the short-fall, remaining options being discussed are the Governor’s bonding proposal as well as a 1 percent increase in the time-of-purchase registration fee, the latter predicted to raise $54 million annually. This is far short of the $267 million annual short fall left after the Legislator’s initial TIME-21 funding mechanism was put in place in 2008.

Revenue generated by the fuel tax is constitutionally protected meaning those monies can be used only for roads. Other revenue generating options are not protected and can be diverted from the stated purpose.

The US 20 Corridor Association will discuss the Governor’s statement and its implications at their next regular meeting which will be Friday, March 13 at 10 am in Sac City at Iowa State Bank.

Highway Groups Lobby for Fuel Tax Increase
This news release was added to the website on February 6, 2009

Fuel tax rate in Iowa has remained constant since late 1980s

More than 50 individuals from Clinton to Sioux City joined together on January 28 to lobby state legislators regarding funding for Iowa’s transportation infrastructure. Mayors, county supervisors and engineers, economic developers, along with representatives of business and industry representing several Iowa highway corridor associations and coalitions joined together to carry the message, "Fully fund TIME-21."

"Iowa needs good roads," remarked Shirley Phillips, president of the US 20 Corridor Association and executive director of Sac Economic and Tourism Development. "We appreciate the legislature’s commitment to meeting these needs by passing increases in vehicle registration fees last session. Yet the needs remain greater than revenues. We must consider a fuel tax increase – a user fee – to fill the gap."

Iowa’s aging transportation infrastructure requires significant investment for simple maintenance. At the same time, the need to expand the state’s transportation network to accommodate new industries such as biofuels and wind energy, as well as addressing traveler safety mean more money is needed.

As the delegation met with Rep. Brian Quirk, chair of the House Transportation Committee, Senator Tom Rielly, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, and Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley, they  heard different versions of the same message. These legislators understand a fuel tax increase is the most equitable way to increase revenues because all users of Iowa roads participate and because it has minimal impact on the family budget.

"A large pizza. That’s what it means for the average Iowa family each year," stated Edith Pfeffer, president of the US 30 Coalition. "By increasing the fuel tax just five to eight cents per gallon, it will cost the average Iowa family about $25 per year. That’s the cost of a large pizza." The result of this fuel tax increase will add $260 million annually to the Road Use Tax Fund in constitutionally protected funds. Raising Iowa’s fuel tax eight cents per gallon will bring Iowa to the national average rate.

Because fuel tax does generate constitutionally protected funds which can only be used for roads, members of the Iowa Motor Truck Association are supportive of the proposal, according to Dave Scott, lobbyist for the organization. And in an unusual position, the Iowa Farm Bureau also advocates for a fuel tax increase. Joe Johnson, state policy advisor for Farm Bureau, said their membership rarely takes a position in favor of a tax or fee increase of any kind. However, their membership sees the fuel tax as the most fair means to provide revenue to support transportation infrastructure. Iowans for Tax Relief officially holds a neutral opinion on the proposal.

Iowa DOT Director Nancy Richardson encouraged the delegation to continue their lobbying and said she has been meeting with legislators to share much the same message. She, and an aide to Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge, will carry the delegation’s message to Governor Chet Culver and Lieutenant Governor Judge.

Transportation Day on the Hill has become an annual event with representatives of Highways 20, 30, 44, 61, 63, 69, along with county and city officials.

US 20 Environmental Assessment and FONSI Available
This news release was added to the website on December 30, 2008

The Federal Highway Administration released their Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) statement regarding the Environmental Assessment conducted by the Iowa DOT on US 20 from Early to Moville. The FONSI represents a significant milestone in the continued development of four-lane US 20 and opens the opportunity for further development and planning to happen as the DOT Commission desires.

Copies of both the Environmental Assessment and FONSI are available for viewing at the Public Libraries in Moville, Correctionville, Cushing, Holstein, Galva, Schaller and Early.

Preparing for 2009 – Continuing the Push
Transportation Day at the Capitol Set for January 28
This news release was added to the website on December 30, 2008

As currently planned, US 20 will be four-lane to Early (US 71) by 2013 leaving just over 40 miles to be designed and built. A Finding of No Significant Impact Statement from the Federal Highway Administration in November 2008 opens the door to further design and progress from US 71 to Moville.

While the DOT Commission’s commitment to completing this project is clear, additional monies and legislative support will speed progress on the final miles of this statewide project.

On Wednesday, January 28, members of the US 20 Association will join with our counterparts representing other corridors to lobby members of the Iowa Legislature to continue their work on fully funding TIME 21 legislation.

During the US 20 Association meeting on January 9, final details and arrangements for transportation day at the capitol will be shared.

US 20 Anticipated to Be Resurfaced Next Summer
This news release was added to the website on December 30, 2008

Preliminary activity by the Iowa DOT is underway for US 20 to be resurfaced from State Highway 110 (Schaller) to M-25 (Galva). This project is not yet included in the DOT’s Five Year Plan. It will be proposed and is anticipated to be approved by the Commission for resurfacing to begin in Fiscal Year 2010 (July 2009).

This section of two-lane US 20 is in poor condition and will benefit from the resurfacing project. DOT has been in contact with officials from the cities of Schaller and Galva regarding the project as they plan to detour traffic into the two communities using Highway 110, D-15, and M-25.

DOT Engineer Lazarowicz Will Update Association on January 9
This news release was added to the website on December 30, 2008

Iowa DOT District 3 Engineer Tony Lazarowicz will attend the US 20 Corridor Association meeting on Friday, January 9. He will update the group on progress made on four-lane US 20 in Webster and Calhoun Counties before activities ground to a halt due to winter weather. He will also be available to answer questions about the project.

Federal Highway Administration Releases FONSI Document on US 20
This news release was added to the website on November 8, 2008

US 20 Association applauds action which opens door for construction from Early to Moville

During their meeting on November 7, Iowa DOT District 3 Engineer Tony Lazarowicz told the US 20 Corridor Association the Federal Highway Administration had issued a "Finding of No Significant Impact" statement on proposed four-lane US 20 from Early to Moville. With this statement, preliminary environmental and archeological work can be considered complete so design work can begin.

"We are thrilled to know the DOT maintains a high level of commitment to completing four-lane US 20 in western Iowa," remarked Shirley Phillips, executive director of Sac Economic and Tourism Development and president of the US 20 Corridor Association. "We celebrate the fact US 20 will be built as a four-lane from Moorland to Early by 2013 per the DOT Five Year Plan and we are very happy to know progress is being made on the remaining 42 miles from Early to Moville as well."

Congressman Steve King also attended the Association's meeting and congratulated the group on their continued commitment to four-lane US 20. "This effort is over 40 years long and to finally be at this point, when we will see four-lane US 20 come to Early by 2013, is rewarding for all of us," he stated. "Now it is a necessity to plug in the last 42 miles."

The US 20 Corridor Association plans to participate in Transportation Day at the State Capitol on January 28 with other highway groups to inform and encourage lawmakers to increase funding in the TIME-21 program to the level requested by DOT. "The state, cities, and counties all benefit from improved transportation infrastructure," Phillips said. "Economic development happens only where good transportation exists."

The US 20 Corridor Association consists of representatives of city, county, and state government, economic developers, business owners, and citizens interested in the completion of statewide four-lane US 20. For more information, contact Phillips at 712-662-7383.

US 20 Corridor Association Applauds DOT Commission Action

This news release was added to the website on October 14, 2008

Four-lane highway will reach US 71 at Early by 2013

The Iowa Department of Transportation Commission voted to approve an amendment to their 2009-2013 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) today. The amendment programs additional revenues generated by TIME 21 and includes an additional $48 million for four-lane US 20 in western Iowa.

Construction of four-lane US 20 on new alignment from Moorland in Webster County to Iowa Highway 4 just west of Rockwell City is underway now. The STIP before today's amendment included funding to take the road all the way to County Road N-14 just east of Sac City. Now it will extend to Highway 71 just north of Early.

"We are thrilled the Commission programmed 12 more miles of four-lane US 20," remarked Shirley Phillips, president of the US 20 Association and executive director of Sac Economic and Tourism Development. "As DOT staff told us, this schedule will see 46 additional miles of four-lane US 20 built over 4½ years - we will literally see the dirt fly!"

As advocates for four-lane US 20 in Iowa, the Association works closely with stakeholders across the state to influence public policy, DOT staff and commissioners, as well as seeking support from the public. "We have been working toward this goal for decades," Phillips explained. "We could not be more pleased with the DOT Commission's commitment to completing this long-awaited project which will provide four-lane transportation in underserved northwest Iowa."

With 46 miles of four-lane US 20 now included in the DOT STIP, just over 40 miles remain to fill the gap. Preliminary planning and design work is underway on each mile of the remaining two-lane segment from US 71 at Early to Moville. "Our Association will continue to press toward our goal which will see statewide four-lane US 20 completed as quickly as possible," Phillips concluded.

Sioux City Journal Editoral 9-17-08
Another 12 miles?

On the surface, 12 miles of highway doesn't seem like much of a stretch. When placed in the context of the continuing effort to four-lane Highway 20 across Iowa, it becomes much bigger.

As the Journal's Bret Hayworth reported in our Tuesday editions, the Iowa Transportation Commission will decide at its Oct. 14 meeting in Muscatine whether to approve $49 million for four-laning 12 miles of Highway 20 from two miles east of Sac City to Early. To read the complete article, click here.

Four-Lane Plans from Early to Moville Iowa DOT held a Location Design Public Hearing on four-lane US 20 from Early to the current four-lane start point east of Moville on August 26, 2008. As with all DOT hearings of this type, there was no formal presentation. Maps of the proposed new alignment were available for the public to view and many DOT staff members were available to answer questions. As initially proposed, four-lane US 20 will be expanded with two new lanes added north of the existing roadway in Sac and most of Ida Counties. West of Holstein, the new lanes will be built south of the existing road through rural Woodbury. In viewing the maps, it is clear the proposed alignment results in the fewest farmstead and home displacements possible. It also takes into consideration right-of-way already owned by DOT in Ida County, though that is no longer sufficient due to current design standards. In speaking with Iowa DOT Field Services Coordinator Dakin Schultz at the hearing, we learned the majority of comments received at the event were positive. Some landowners are concerned about the impact to their property and DOT will be working closely with them for the best outcome possible. Written statements regarding this proposed expansion of US 20 to four-lanes in Sac, Ida, and Woodbury Counties will be accepted until September 15. Please contact Mark Kerper, location and environment, highway division, Iowa DOT, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010, or 515-239-1225. The following information was included in the document prepared by DOT for this hearing. • The Iowa State Highway Commission adopted the freeway system plan in 1965, including the planned construction of a freeway along the US 20 corridor. Funding to upgrade US 20 began in 1965. • Upgrading US 20 between Moville and Early to a four-lane highway supports the objectives of the Iowa legislature. • The Transportation Commission approved the development of US 20 from near Moville east to Early as a four-lane highway in June of 1998. • Parts of the (existing) highway were constructed as early as 1936. • Data from 2007 shows the sufficiency ratings for (existing) US 20, within the project limits, vary from 50 to 81 (tolerable to good). • Unless significant impacts are identified as a result of public review and at the public opportunity for input, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be prepared. DOT Commission Plans for TIME-21 Revenues By Steve Hoesel, US 20 Corridor Association During the September 8, 2008, Commission workshop, staff and Commissioners agreed to the content of a preliminary document to be officially considered during the upcoming October Commission meeting. The unofficial action during Monday's workshop finalized a preliminary discussion for TIME-21 funded additions/amendments to the 2009-2013 STIP to include the following projects: • US 20 from US 71 to County Road N-14 (four-lane grading in 2011 and four-lane paving in 2013) ($48 million). This addition will complete the Moorland to Early section of US 20 four-lane on new right of way. All other work on this section was already included within the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). • US 30 from State Center to IA 330 (additional two lanes) ($18.2 million) • US 63 from IA 3 to IA 188 (additional two lanes) ($30.8 million) • US 169 from Humboldt to Fort Dodge (super three lane format) 2010 and 2011 ($15.4 million) • I-380 in Black Hawk County (reconstruction in 2013) ($5.3 million) • I-380 in Linn County (reconstruction in 2013) ($14.9 million) • I-35 in Worth County (reconstruction in 2013) ($26.4 million) This preliminary document will be open for public comment and an official adoption vote by the Commission will be taken on October 14. While changes are possible, they are not expected. If anything would jeopardize this schedule it would be availability of funds from either the federal government or Iowa's RUTF. This is very good news for US 20. We will see a completed four-lane from Moorland to US 71 by the end of 2013. That leaves 44 miles between Early and Moville and preliminary activities are underway to set-up later construction on that segment. The Iowa DOT has shown considerable commitment to statewide four-lane US 20 completion in the 2009 to 2013 STIP.