Featured Rail News
Iowa and Illinois Receive $230 Million for Chicago-to-Iowa City Intercity Passenger Rail Route
The Iowa and Illinois departments of transportation received word October 25, 2010 that they will be receiving $230 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to initiate intercity passenger rail service on a route from Chicago to Iowa City via the Quad Cities. Press releaseBusiness plan | Business plan highlights | Grant application
Passenger rail fact sheet | Project summary
More than $5.5 million made available through Iowa's Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program
The Iowa Transportation Commission (Commission) today approved more than $5.5 million in funding for nine rail infrastructure improvement projects under the Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant (RRLG) Program. The rail projects are expected to support the creation of 140 jobs within three years of completion, and spur development of a number of industrial areas across the state. Press release – Nov. 8, 2011It's not too late to participate in the online open house meeting for the Chicago to Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study
The online self-directed open house illustrates various route alternatives, explains the process used to evaluate the route alternatives, discusses the results of the alternatives analysis, and seeks public input on the route alternatives. More information on the study. More information on the study.Community Tool Kit for Chicago to Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study now available
Groups can use the items in the tool kit when engaging their members or community leaders interested in facts about the study. Download the entire package, or choose the pieces that best fit your needs. Get the toolkit now.What's new or of note ...
Applications are being accepted through 4:30 p.m., May 24, 2012 for an expected minimum of $2 million in funding for eligible projects. A minimum of $200,000 will be dedicated to rail port planning and development grants. Applications will be accepted for three categories of projects - targeted job creation, rail network improvement, rail port planning and development.More information
On April 24, 2012 users and providers of the transportation industry, economic development officials and others met at this conference to discover some of the transportation trends and innovations used by businesses to protect, grow and strengthen Iowa’s economy. Postings of presentations from the conference are now available. Co-sponsored by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Department of Transportation.
Visit the Iowa DOT’s Recovery Web site to learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA or Recovery Act) of 2009. The ARRA was signed into law by President Obama Feb. 17, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. Funding made available through the Recovery Act will assist Iowa in strengthening its transportation systems, including Iowa’s rail, transit, aviation, highways, waterways, and other modes of surface transportation.
