Iowans want a transportation system that uses their tax dollars more wisely, recognizes the importance of farmland and natural areas, and reduces our impact on the environment.  Setting measurable goals for more bike lanes, buses and trains in order to reduce vehicle miles traveled and asking for transportation systems that encourage infill development will serve as a means to lessen our demand on roads.  The remaining weeks in April offer three opportunities for Central Iowans:

1. DMAMPO Reauthorization - April 22
2. IDOT Statewide Passenger Transportation Funding Study Needs Citizen Input at Six Meetings Before April 30
3. Transportation Improvement Plan Citizen Input - April 30

1.  Local decision makers and DMAMPO staff are scrambling to get ten projects approved and back to Congressman Leonard Boswell's desk by Wednesday evening.  The Federal Transportation Committee will be reauthorizing funding.  Unfortunately, many of those projects reflect Iowa's addiction to auto travel.  To review the projects, which include the MLK Extension, click here.  The MPO Executive Committee will meet at 2:45 PM on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at the Urbandale Library's A/B Room to make a recommendation on this listing to the full MPO Policy Committee.  The MPO Policy Committee will meet at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at the Urbandale Library, immediately following the MPO Executive Committee meeting, to take action on a recommended priority listing.   If time allows after the meeting public comment may be entertained.
 
2.  The Iowa DOT is presenting Iowans with a golden opportunity to encourage sustainable transportation and land-use before April ends. Six meetings are being held across the state to seek the public’s input on transportation needs. Click here to download the announcement from the IDOT.   The Statewide Passenger Transportation Funding Study is seeking your input to identify gaps between current public transit, carpool/vanpool programs, intercity bus and rail services, and what you and your neighbors believe are transportation needs.  Using the information from these meetings and through other sources plans will be made to address Iowa’s future transportation plans.  Click here for details on date, time and locations for the public meetings.