Aug. 20, 2003

For more information contact:
Dena Gray-Fisher
515-239-1922
dena.grayfisher@dot.state.ia.us

U.S. 20 Ribbon Cutting and Dedication
Hardin and Grundy counties - Iowa River Bridge

AMES, Iowa – The U.S. 20 Corridor Association, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Transportation, is planning a ribbon cutting and highway dedication ceremony to mark the completion of four-lane U.S. 20 in Hardin and Grundy counties in central Iowa. Events will take place on Friday, Aug. 22, within and north of Steamboat Rock.

At the event, Governor Tom Vilsack, U.S. Rep. Tom Latham, U.S. Rep. Steve King and Federal Highway Administration Associate Administrator Charles D. “Chip” Nottingham will be sharing remarks. They will be joined by Iowa DOT Director Mark Wandro; Floyd Magnusson, president of the U.S. 20 Corridor Association and local officials. Members of the Iowa Transportation Commission  will also be present.

Guests and media organizations are asked to begin gathering at the Steamboat Rock Schoolhouse, 306 W. Market St., at 8:00 a.m. Aug. 22. Bus transportation to the new Iowa River Bridge will be provided. Refreshments will be served at the schoolhouse and displays from associated organizations available for viewing.

Following the ceremony and panoramic viewing of the area, buses will return visitors to Steamboat Rock where area businesses including the Schoolhouse Café, Green Door Restaurant and W.I.N.G.S. Tea Room will be open to serve guests.

Although this portion of the roadway will open at approximately 2 p.m. Aug. 22, some finish work continues along the route. Motorists should expect to see construction signs, contractors’ vehicles and road workers. The work involved will be completing gaps in the right-of-way fence, erosion control work such as seeding, watering, and mowing, and placing some delineators and milepost markers. As in all work zones, use extra caution when traveling in these areas.

Persons with disabilities needing special accommodations should contact Ann Trimble-Ray at 712-273-5745 or ann@heartmkt.com. On-site reserved parking will be available for persons with authorized handicap parking permits, if prior notification of need is expressed.

For more information on the U.S. 20 Association or this event, please contact: Shirley Phillips at 712-662-7383 or setd@pionet.net, or Ann Trimble-Ray at 712-273-5745 or ann@heartmkt.com; for information about the highway project contact Dena Gray-Fisher of the Iowa DOT at 515-239-1922 or dena.grayfisher@dot.state.ia.us.

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