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2018 Federal Legislative Priorities Copyrighted March 19, 2018 City of Dubuque Consent Items # 7. ITEM TITLE: 2018 Federal Legislative Priorities SUMMARY: City Manager recommending adoption of the 2018 Federal Legislative Priorities. SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File ATTACHMENTS: Description Type 2018 Federal Legislati� Priorities-NNM Memo City Manager Memo 2018 Federal Legislati� Priorities Supporting Documentation THE CITY OF Dubuque � AIFA�erlwGh UB E '�� III► Masterpiece on the Mississippi Z°°'�w'2 7A13 2017 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: 2018 Federal Legislative Priorities DATE: March 15, 2018 Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann worked with the Department Managers and City of Dubuque strategic partners to develop a set of recommended 2018 Federal Legislative Priorities and is recommending adoption of the attached priorities. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council adoption of the 2018 Federal Legislative Priorities. �� Mic ael C. Van Milligen �� MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager THE CTTY OF Dubuque �" ui�A�eNe�ary DUB E 'il��i;' Masterpiece on the Mississippi Z°°' Z°'Z 2013 2017 2018 Federal Legislative Priorities Table of Contents BROADBAND AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ..............................................................14 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ..............................................................................................19 HOUSING ................................................................................................................................18 PUBLICHEALTH ...................................................................................................................22 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP PRIORITIES.....................................................................30 SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT COMMUNITIES .......................................................28 TRANSPORTATION................................................................................................................2 1 INFRASTRUCTURE The United States has a huge problem and its growing. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers the country faces a $2.2 trillion infrastructure backlog. President Trump and Administration officials have consistently committed to a $900 billion infrastructure plan. The City of Dubuque awaits details of this plan and supports members of Congress in their work to deliver significant legislation and appropriations providing funding for transportation, broadband water and public works infrastructure expansion and improvements. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act is a five-year transportation bill intended to improve and expand the Nation's surtace transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit systems and rail transportation network. This legislation passed in December 2015 and provides direction for transportation activities for the next six years. The bill reforms and strengthens transportation programs, refocuses national priorities, provides long term certainty and greater flexibility for states and local governments, streamlines project approval processes and maintains strong commitment to safety. Reauthorization of the transportation bill builds on and strengthens the innovations begun in MAP-21 in areas such as performance-based planning, safety, design, and freight planning. FAST Act supports policies which expand choices, bolster public health, and strengthen communities. East-West Corridor Studv — Universitv Avenue Overlap Section The City Council has listed the completion of the East — West Corridor Connectivity Study Implementation as a "Top-Priority" on its Goals and Priorities. The US Hwy 20 corridor is the primary east-west route in the City of Dubuque and future traffic projections indicate US Hwy 20 alone will not provide sufficient capacity for east-west travel in the city. Capacity along alternate east-west corridors will need to be improved to provide connectivity between the western growth areas and the downtown. On February 18, 2008, the City Council approved the consultant selection of HDR (Omaha, Nebraska)/IIW Engineers & Surveyors, PC (IIW - Dubuque) to complete the study. On July 22, 2008, an agreement was signed between the City and HDR Engineering, Inc. (HDR) of Omaha, Nebraska, to provide professional engineering, consulting, and related services to the East-West Corridor Connectivity Study. The purpose of the study was to: analyze the east-west traffic flow in the City; identify corridor improvements or modifications to support growing traffic demands; and to consider transit needs, pedestrian needs, and sustainability. In addition to reviewing the east-west corridor needs for the City of Dubuque, Asbury Road west of the Northwest Arterial, including Asbury Road within the City of Asbury, was reviewed to determine recommended improvements for this corridor. The City of Asbury has paid for this portion of the study. 2 On November 17, 2009, the Engineering Department presented the East-West Corridor Connectivity Study Draft Report the City Council during a work session. As part of the council memo for the work session, the Engineering Department requested "input from the City Council and approval to create an implementation plan for the recommendations contained in the East- West Corridor Connectivity Report." In February 2012, the City Council formally adopted the East-West Corridor Connectivity Study Final Report and directed City staff to begin implementation plans for the recommendations contained in the East-West Corridor Connectivity Report. The adopted East-West Corridor Connectivity Study report acts asthe City's Master Plan for both short-term and long-term capacity improvements or corridor modifications to support growing east-west traffic flow in the City. The study includes recommended improvements supporting complete streets concepts, multi-modal transportation, vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, and recreational improvements. In August 2017, the City Council listed the East - West Corridor Capacity Improvement Implementation as a "Top-Priority" in its 2017-2019 Goals and Priorities. In an effort to advance this top priority, the City has already completed or will be completing the following improvements: Project Year Cost Property Acquisition 2016 $ 853,300 Grandview- Delhi Roundabout 2016 $ 827,000 Loras - Grandview Traffic Signals 2017 $ 370,300 University- GrandviewRoundabout 2018 $1,200,000 Total Improvements To-Date $3,250,300 The section of University Avenue, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Loras Boulevard, referred to as the "Overlap Section" was recommended for converting the three intersections along University Avenue to roundabouts. With funds programmed in FY 2018 - 2019, the next steps in the design development process are to complete the preliminary engineering and environmental (NEPA) study phase for intersection capacity improvements along University Avenue at Loras Boulevard, Asbury Road, and at Pennsylvania Avenue. Once the preliminary engineering and environmental (NEPA) study are completed, corridor impacts will be identified, and property acquisition could begin in approximately FY2020 / 2021 and would take approximately 2 years to complete. Once property acquisition is completed within the Overlap Section, construction to convert the three intersections along University Avenue to roundabouts could begin in FY2022 and would take approximately 2-3 years to complete. The City depends upon Surface Transportation Block Grant funds to deliver this project. 14t" Street Railroad Overpass The Canadian Pacific (CP) Railroad travels through the urban core of the city with numerous at- grade crossings on local city streets in the downtown area. With approximately 15-20 trains passing through Dubuque on a daily basis, pedestrians, vehicles, commercial traffic and emergency responders have interrupted access the northeast segment of the city. This cuts off the most economically sheltered area of our community from job and shopping opportunities. Rail transport through Dubuque will continue to negatively impact existing at-grade crossings which could potentially be blocked more frequently and for longer periods of time. The City of Dubuque's East —West Corridor flow would also be negatively impacted. 3 A 14�h Street Overpass would provide an unimpeded elevated crossing over the railroad tracks and thus provide unimpeded access to the Kerper Boulevard, the redeveloped 16�h Street Corridor, tourism and recreational amenities on Chaplain Schmitt Island, Highway 61/151 into Wisconsin, the Washington and North End neighborhoods, the Historic Millwork District and downtown. The City will pursue funding opportunities at the federal level through applications to TIGER and other transportation infrastructure programs. 16t" Street Corridor — Chaplain Schmitt Island — Central Avenue/White Street For the past nearly three decades, Dubuque has engaged in long-term planning and implementation efforts aimed at restoring blight, reclaiming abandoned spaces, and redeveloping the City's six-and-a-half-mile riverfront. These efforts have resulted in the redevelopment and success of the Port of Dubuque, Dubuque' Main Street and downtown, and the Historic Millwork District. With the completion of the Bee Branch flood mitigation project, the City continues its focus on redevelopment, turning to the North End neighborhoods, Kerper Blvd and Chaplain Schmitt Island. Completion of the Bee Branch project provides flood protection to some of Dubuque's oldest and most vulnerable neighborhoods. Building on this significant $218 million infrastructure investment are several initiatives led by the City and its partners. These include the City of Dubuque Housing departmenYs CHANGE program which focuses on improving affordable housing stock and neighborhoods on the North End. Findinq Dubupue's True North, an initiative of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, aims to rebuild job opportunity and entrepreneurship. The Chaplain Schmitt Island Placemaking and Implementation Plan will redevelop this tourist amenity with an enhanced Veterans' Memorial and reflection pond, hike/bike trails and additional retail, recreational and entertainment venues for residents and citizens alike creating another destination attraction on Dubuque's riverfront. Partners at the Dream Center and Steeple Square provide educational programing and event space for residents and other nonprofit organizations of the North End and learning space for students in Dubuque. None of these initiatives and projects can be successful without connectivity of transportation and broadband infrastructure. Connecting Dubuque's riverfront, downtown and historic Millwork District with its Intermodal Transportation Center to the North End will require transportation improvements along the 16�h Street Corridor, onto and throughout the Chaplain Schmitt Island and to Central Avenue and White Streets. The 16�h Street Corridor approaching the Chaplain Schmitt Island includes the former Dubuque Packing Company site which is envisioned to be redeveloped. Potential retail and mixed-use space is planned on the brownfield, which could serve as a regional retail magnet. The 16�h Street Corridor transportation access to this space is constrained. Current transportation routes do not meet the needs of the planned mixed-use activities. Planning envisions the development of a Complete Street along the 16th Street Corridor with roundabout access to the former "Pack" site at Sycamore and Marsh Streets, continuing on to a roundabout at Kerper Blvd and 16�h Street and finally the construction of a roundabout on Chaplain Schmitt Island. Transportation infrastructure would also include construction of a separate bike/pedestrian bridge across the Peosta Channel, and creation of a mixed-use trail connecting Chaplain Schmitt Island with the City's transit hub (Intermodal Transportation Center) to better support the movement of workers, tourists and freight. 4 Central Avenue and White Streets corridors are poised for improvements in the coming years. Planning is underway for streetscape and potential building improvements. Reauested Action Dubuque has multiple transportation improvements envisioned in order to continue the community's worK enhancing tourism destinations on the riverfront and expanding economic development on the North End and Central/White Avenue Corridor. /ncreased federal funding for existing transportation programs that support all modes of transportation including the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program, Transportation Alternatives (Trails, Safe Routes to Schoo/), Surface Transportation BlocK Grant Program (East West Corridor), Small Starts specifically the corridor-based improvements (Jule and East West Corridor) and the Smart City Challenge(STREETS) is requested. Southwest Arterial (US 52) - Proiect Status Update DUEu uelndusVialCenter . ��/ Dubuque Intli�sVial Center Wast� ��— � "Y A � � d i �� A� � � � �� a ��i(� 'Wiu.es/ � �� Q��ai l� DubuqueTechnology Park L � � __ 2°Z __ J Key � SoutliwestArterial q Highwaysl5�ree�slRoads �� DubuqueCiryLimiG �yea N � J The Dubuque City Council, the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS), the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation have all identified the completion of the Southwest Arterial (US 52) projed as the No. 1 surface transportation priority in the Dubuque area. The proposed Southwest Arterial projectwill be a 6.1-mile four-lane divided freeway with priority 1-access control between Highway 61/151 and Highway 20. Economic Development The Southwest Arterial project will significantly improve the efficiency and safety of the regional highway transportation network that is vital for the statewide, national and global distribution of local commerce and the continued growth and sustainability of the strong regional economy. 5 z F °�"'�'tti � 'i�': : �� „ y , ' ":�S.y �y 4�y� �c ° l.'��e; � N-�� ' ...�w ,� _ - �' ��, � . � -,�g ;' "`._� r� � �� . .. .,� ".�- �' = i a' �r.r . ..� � 1 . � � .,�,;;" , . .. _ '+ , � ..: I_� ;�K�.. �z.,�.� �� '�� v,, — ' _ - I ' � �}�ii� �_o' . �. � Iric ;:if,... .� '� '"� �_� �hxf .. Traffic Congestion on Local Street Network Mobility Bene�ts The Southwest Arterial project will connect two growing sections of the community together and will support future anticipated expansion growth to the southwest of the city toward the Dubuque Regional Airport. The Southwest Arterial will also provide an efficient bypass around the city, thereby reducing travel times and minimizing delay by reducing traffic volumes and congestion on the local street system. Environmental Benefits The Southwest Arterial project will provide an alternate, direct and efficient route for traffic through southwestern Dubuque, which will provide significant travel time savings by avoiding the numerous signalized intersections on Highway 61/151 , Highway 20 and Central Avenue (Hwy 52/3) through Dubuque, thereby providing fuel energy savings, reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality. The Southwest Arterial project will be designed and constructed with forward thinking sustainability initiative incorporated, which will include an environmentally and resource- sensitive highway corridor, an integrated bike / pedestrian trail with amenities, and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology. Transfer of Jurisdiction ��V�� Through the continued collaborative partnership between the � i � lowa Department of Transportation (lowa DOT) and the City of Dubuque, significant milestone achievements for the completion a of the Southwest Arterial (US 52) project were realized with the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which � - __ ; - was signed on August 9, 2013, and finalizing the Transfer of � Roadway Jurisdiction (TOJ), was signed on November 7, 2016. Mayor Buol andformer lowa DOT Director Paul Trom6ino Sign Memorandum of Understanding The following is a brief summary of the overall intent and principle objectives set forth when developing the Memorandum of Understanding: The lowa DOT and City, in joint cooperation, will Transfer the Jurisdiction of the Southwest Arterial from the City to the State in exchange for the Transfer of Jurisdiction of the Northwest Arterial (or lowa 32), and portions of existing U.S. 52 / lowa 3 through downtown Dubuque, from the State to the City. The Transfer of Jurisdiction will occur after the Southwest Arterial is completed and open to traffic. Following the execution of the MOU, the City is continuing as the lead agency for the multiple project development phases for completing the Southwest Arterial and is responsible for completing the following improvement projects: 6 Project Description Status Final Engineering Design Underway Right-of-Way Property Acquisition Completed BHE Gas Pipeline Utility Relocation Completed BP Gas Pipeline Utility Relocation Summer 2017 North Cascade Road Reconstruction Completed English Mill Road Reconstruction Under Construction Military Road Reconstruction Under Construction When the City completes all the project phases listed in the above table, it is expected that all of the City, County, and Federal funds obligated for the Southwest Arterial project will be fully expended. When the City completes all the project phases it is responsible for, the lowa DOT will then take over as lead agency and will be responsible for all remaining costs associated with the completion of the Southwest Arterial, including grading, bridges, interchanges and highway paving. Current Status The Southwest Arterial (US 52) project team is now completing the final engineering design phases and preparing construction plan documents for the remaining 2-lane construction bid packages which will be let during 2018. In effort to keep the project development on schedule while preparing to incorporate the remaining 4-lane construction phases should the additional funding be approved in the upcoming (June 2018) lowa 5-Year Transportation Improvement Program; both the City and the lowa DOT have authorized the design team to immediately proceed with completing the final engineering design for the remaining (2) bridges and the remaining 2-lane paving. Multiple construction projects are currently underway. Property Acquisition The City is substantially complete with all the right-of-way acquisition for the 56 impacted properties along the Southwest Arterial (US 52) Corridor. In total, there were 93 owner, leasehold or rental tenants affected, each requiring separate negotiated purchase agreement settlements. As of January 2018, the City has spent to-date approximately $16.8 million for right-of-way property acquisition. Construction With the significant development and advancement towards the completion of the Southwest Arterial �..:� � �_ �.. �:_,�:..._�g..�-=e�--�, with multiple construction projects underway and the , - �---a 4-lane grading started on the project, to � " � � � �» ��' commemorate the milestone achievement, a � , r� Groundbreaking Ceremony was held Oct. 11, 2016. �,^ � � � f `'� The following is a summary of $64.3 Million in ,� �= ,t r �.. . � construction projects that are either completed or are �� tt ��,�-��;� .�� currently under construction for the continued Groundbreaking Ceremony advancement towards completion of the Southwest Arterial: 7 . North Cascade Road reconstruction project was completed in November 2013; final cost is approximately $3.7 Million. . Box culvert structure at Granger Creek / Highway 61/151 interchange was completed in May 2016, final cost is approximately $1 .2 Million. . The BHE gas pipeline relocation on English Mill has been completed; final cost is approximately $1 .4 Million. . English Mill Road reconstruction (657) project was substantially completed in June 2017. Currently working on final punch list and project close-out. Current cost is approximately $3.9 Million. . Menards Frontage Road project is currently under construction, approximately 30-40°k complete. Work will continue during the 2018 season. Cost projection $8.8 Million. . US20 / Seippel interchange grading project is currently under construction, approximately 90°k complete. Cost projection $6.4 Million. . West grading project from English Mill to Catfish Creek is currently under construction approximately 80°k complete. Cost projection $8.8 Million. . Military Road reconstruction project is currently under construction. Approximately 50°k complete. Cost projection $5.2 million. . US20 / Seippel interchange WB Ramp D bridge was substantially completed in August 2017. Current cost is approximately of$853,000. . US20 / Seippel interchange WB Ramp D paving was substantially completed in October 2017. Current cost is approximately $850,000. . East grading project from Catfish Creek to US61-151 is currently under construction, approximately 70°k complete. Cost projection $6.7 Million. . Elmwood Drive Bridge Over Granger Creek bid in December 2017. . US 20 Interchange, EB Ramp C Bridge bid in December 2017. . US 20 Mainline Dual Bridges Over Catfish Creek bid in December 2017. . Southwest Arterial Overpass Bridge Over US Highway 20 bid in December 2017. The following is a summary of$43 Million in upcoming construction projects that will be bid in 2018. . Southwest Arterial Overpass Bridge Over US Highway 61-151 bids in February 2018. . East grading project from Catfish Creek to Military Road - Phase 2 bids in March 2018. . SW Arterial WB Bridge Over Catfish Creek bids in March 2018. . SW Arterial - US 20 Interchange Paving bids in December 2018. . US 61/151 Paving (From Catfish Creek to Olde Davenport Rd) bids in December 2018. . SW Arterial Paving (From US 20 Interchange to Catfish Creek) bids in December 2018. Funding As a result of hard work from Dubuque's congressional delegation over the past 15 years, the City secured approximately $32.8 million in federal funding for the Southwest Arterial project. The lowa Department of Transportation Commission has programmed $115 million dollars in the state's 5-Year Highway Transportation Improvement Program for construction of the 4-lane grading, constructing both interchanges at US 20 and at US 61/151 , and for mainline paving a 2- lane highway between US 20 to US 61/151 . The City and County have committed a local investment of $42.8 million dollars (including local match funding and federal earmark appropriation) towards the completion of the Southwest Arterial (US 52). 8 The following table summarizes the maximum City and County local match funding, including both federal earmark and lowa DOT funding for continuing the advancement and completion of the Southwest Arterial: Funding Source Fund Amount Federal Funding $ 32.8 Million ** City Funding $ 6.2 Million ** Dubuque County Funding $ 3.6 Million ** lowa DOT 5-Year Highway Transportation Program $ 115 Million Total Project Funding: 5157.6 Million " Following the completion of the North Cascade, English Mill and Military Road construction projects, along with the completion of final engineering design, right-of-way property acquisition, and mitigation work, it is projected that all current federal appropriated funding and local match for the Southwest Arterial will be expended. In continuing the strong collaborative partnership between the lowa Department of Transportation (lowa DOT), DMATS, Dubuque County and the City of Dubuque, in June 2017, Mayor Buol presented before the lowa DOT Commissioners to encourage commissioners to consider allocating the additional $16 million dollars to complete the remaining 4-lane construction, the potential cost savings that could be realized now, while seizing the opportunity and capitalizing on the investment that is currently underway. The City will learn if the additional 4-lane funding is approved in June 2018 when the lowa DOT Commission adopts the lowa 5-Year Transportation Improvement Program. Subject to future continued funding availability in the lowa DOT's 5-Year Transportation Program, the lowa DOT projects that the Southwest Arterial (two-lanes) could be open to traffic by the end of 2019. Requested Action: The City of Dubuque requests any additional �nancial assistance that can be provided on the federal and state level, as well as continued support of the lowa Department of Transportation Commission to maintain its current programmed funding for the Southwest Arterial in the lowa 5-Year Highway Transportation Improvement Program, which includes $94.6 million programmed in for the Southwest Arterial. Dubuque is requesting an additional$16 million to complete the project to four-lane and$4 million for the SW Arterial Trail. Capacitv Improvements - U.S. Hiqhwav 20 Transportation infrastructure connectivity is essential to a vibrant economy and thriving community. Requested Action: The City of Dubuque supports completion of four-lane construction on Highway 20 to Chicago. To accomplish this project and other signi�cant highway and interstate capacity improvements, the City supports efforts to identify a long term, sustainable 9 revenue source that keeps the Highway Trust Fund fully funded to be used for rebuilding and maintaining infrastructure. Public Transit Fundinq The FAST Act increases dedicated bus funding by 89°k over the life of the bill. It provides stable formula funding and competitive grant program to address bus and bus facility needs. This bill does not appear to increase operational formula funding to support existing or service expansion efforts. Regulatory requirements continue to increase while operational funding levels remain flat. The City of Dubuque is partnered with the lowa DOT, East Central Intergovernmental Association and IBM Watson Research Center to analyze travel patterns in the community and develop a replicable model for responding to travel demand through planning of transportation investment that incorporates all modes - car, bus, bike and pedestrian. The goal of this research is to create a more efficient and cost effective public transit system modeling tool for cities under 100,000 population. This nationally acclaimed research effort and integrated approach to addressing community travel needs will provide opportunities to expand public transit service to our citizens. Without additional operating funding to support current services and new operating grant opportunities to expand services, implementation of this project could be limited. Technical assistance for cities interested in undertaking bus rapid transit projects earlier in the planning stages would also be appreciated. Currently, most planning must be complete and Small Starts funding already secured for a city to be eligible for this type of assistance. Operational funding to support ongoing route analysis and planning at the transit system level would be helpful as well. Capital funding for vehicles and onboard technology replacement are needed. Many vehicles in lowa, and Dubuque specifically, are at or near the end of their useful life. Onboard technology provides essential data for management and dispatch personnel as well as drivers and passengers, but to upgrade or replace this technology fleet-wide is costly. Stagnant operational funding and limited capital funding opportunities make developing responsive, cost-effective public transit opportunities difficult. Requested Action: Increased funding for operating support through 5307 program. Dubuque Reqional Airport Dubuque encourages the following considerations in developing the 2016 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization: A multi-year Reauthorization is needed. We cannot expect airports to improve and air traffic control systems to modernize with continuing resolutions. Enact a five-year Reauthorization bill. Additionally, Dubuque encourages increasing spending levels for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), Essential Air Service, Small Community Air Service Development Grants, Contract Tower Program, and other programs that safely operate, develop and maintain facilities at airports around the country. 10 Airport Improvement Program A major component of the FAA is the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides funding for airport expansion, rehabilitation and capital projects. In lowa, 69 general aviation airports and eight commercial service airports are eligible for funding from the AIP program. AIP and its predecessors FAAP and ADAP, has worked well for lowa airport since 1947 and Dubuque would like to see increased funding of this program. Requested Action: 1. Dubuque encourages reinstating the local match levels in past legislation of �ve percent(Vision100). 2. Fund the AIP program to provide $3.6 billion in 2019 with $100 million in increases every year throughout the reauthorization period. We have been static for more than ten years. 3. Since these are monies already collected and deposited in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, we must protect these funds and budget from Sequestration or FAA Operating uses. 4. Allow Small and Non-Hub airports the ability to use AIP entitlement and Passenger Facility Funds (PFC) funds to develop or improve revenue producing facilities in order to make airports more self-sustaining. Contract Tower Funding: Compromises in public safety services like Air Traffic Control (ATC) are never to be used as a means to protect the FAA administrative structure. ATC cuts should be the last option on the table, not the first. 251 public use airports had been identified for tower closures in 2013 by the FAA Administrator, three are in lowa. This is not acceptable. The only contract tower in lowa on that list is the Dubuque tower which is operated by a private firm on contract with the Federal Aviation Administration. Continued funding for this program is essential for public safety. Dubuque is the second busiest airport in lowa. Requested Action: Safety and common-sense dictates continued funding of the ATC program and the contract tower program or restoration of FAA sta�ng of these facilities. Funding cannot come from a reduction in AIP Discretionary funds. Passenger Facility Charges (PFC): These FAA authorized funds are levied and collected locally and are used to construct runways, taxiways, terminals, security improvements, and many other items travelers encounter daily in our local communities. The current collection amount of $4.50 per passenger and is not indexed to inflation which restricts the amount of money available for large capital projects. Since the PFC came into existence in 1990, it has had only one increase (in 2001) to its current amount. In the meantime, construction costs have more than tripled. Requested Action: Increasing the PFC to $8.50 and indexing it to inflation would ensure long term funding viability for even the smallest of commercial service airports. Allowing these funds to be used for revenue generating items like parking lots, airline o�ces, etc. 11 would signi�cantly reduce the impact on smaller airports, their tenants, and their sponsors. Air Service Development Program The U.S. Department of Transportation manages the Small Community Air Service Development Program. This program helps small and non-hub airports with monetary support of airline recruitment endeavors. The USDOT's grant application has very restrictive guidelines, which limit airport participation to one-time projects. If those methods work to attract one carrier, you may not seek a grant to offer the same incentives to another carrier. Requested Action: Eliminating that restriction would allow communities to implement previously viable methods forrecruiting new/expanded airservice. Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act of 2010 This legislation mandated that the Federal Aviation Administration require pilots to complete 1 ,500 flight hours before they're allowed to apply for an airline position. This has decimated the regional airline industry. lowa has already lost service in Fort Dodge and Mason City. Airlines are unable to hire qualified pilots and more communities will lose service unless this legislation is repealed. This legislation does nothing to promote safety and is destroying an industry. The Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act of 2010 mandated that the Federal Aviation Administration require pilots to complete 1 ,500 flight hours before they're allowed to apply for an airline position. This requirement seriously threatens the regional airline industry. lowa has already lost service in Fort Dodge and Mason City. Airlines are unable to hire qualified pilots and more communities will lose service unless this legislation is amended or repealed. This legislation does little to promote safety. Requested Action: Repeal the 1,500-hour requirement in the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act of 2010. Continued Diversion of Federal Taxes on Aviation Jet Fuel The City of Dubuque strongly opposes the convoluted tax process of aviation jet fuel. Fuel taxes from the sale of jet fuel are currently credited to the Highway Trust Fund. For the taxes to be properly credited to the Aviation Trust Fund, the fuel vendor or buyer must apply with the IRS for a refund of the tax, and only then are the funds transferred to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. The process is confusing and places the burden on the fuel vendor or buyer to get the fuel taxes credited to the proper trust fund. In addition, the aviation community seriously questions if fuel tax fraud involving jet fuel and the trucking industry is occurring and has seen no statistical evidence to support those claims. Requested Action: Place a tax on aviation kerosene at the same $0.244 rate as highway diesel eliminating any incentive for suspected fraud. The resulting tax revenues could then be deposited into the respective trust funds directly eliminating the burdensome reporting and record keeping requirements that now exist, in addition the resulting increase in fuel tax would help strengthen the Aviation Trust Fund helping to eliminate the need for user fees in the future. 12 Outsourcing Air Tra�c Control and Introducing User Fees We believe user fees will damage the fragile general aviation environment. Jet A or aviation fuel already exceeds $6.00 per gallon and in some locations $8.00 per gallon. Operating costs for flight training, medevac, agricultural, small package shipping, and business aircraft use has skyrocketed over the past seven years. Assessing fees for use of the air traffic control system will end this form of aviation for all but the very wealthy. The effects of such fees in Europe and Canada have devastated private and corporate aviation. Requested Action: Oppose user fees on the air tra�c control systems. Water Infrastructure Waste Water and Drinkinq Water The nation's waste water and drinking water infrastructure is currently experiencing an infrastructure need of $655 billion over the next twenty years. We urge members of Congress to include water infrastructure in the proposed infrastructure funding package. The City of Dubuque has ongoing funding needs for drinking water and clean water infrastructure. The State Revolving Loan (SRF) program has been very effective in helping the City address water infrastructure needs. The PresidenYs FY 2017 request proposed an increase to the Drinking Water SRF by almost twenty percent above the FY 2016 enacted level while at the same time reducing the Clean Water SRF by nearly 30 percent. The SRFs were funded at a combined level of$2.35 billion in FY 2015. The previous Administration's request represents a $350 million cut to the FY 2015 enacted level of spending. For every federal dollar of SRF spending, 21 .4°k is returned to the federal government in the form of taxes and on average, 16.5 jobs are created for every 1 million spent through SRF; each job is estimated to bring about $60,000 in labor income. Infrastructure investments create 16 percent more jobs than equivalent spending on a payroll tax holiday, 40 percent more jobs than an across-the-board tax cut, and more than five times as many jobs as temporary tax cuts. Every million dollars of SRF spending results in $2.95 million of input in the U.S. economy. This is a smart investment complimenting a narrow federal role of ensuring modern, efficient infrastructure. Since this is a loan program, SRFs leverage resources from all levels of government and the private sector empowering state and local governments. SRFs are voluntary, thereby reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. Dubuque has utilized SRF funds for two major projects, the Bee Branch project and the Water and Resource Recovery project. The past year, as a result of ineetings with EPA officials in Washington DC and lowa Department of Natural Resources staff in Des Moines Dubuque has been able to begin work on creating a funding source for Lead Service Line replacement. The SRF funding source is critical to cities. Requested Action: The City of Dubuque supports $3.0 billion combined appropriation for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds. 13 Flood Wall Improvements and Maintenance The Senator John C. Culver Flood Wall system was built between 1967 and 1974 at a cost of$11 million dollars. Over the past nearly fifty years it has provided protection valued in the billions of dollars. Over the past five years, City staff along with US Army Corps of Engineers staff have continued to monitor the flood resilience of the flood system at Dubuque. It has been determined that new gates are necessary and that burying the "I" wall in South Port would strengthen its resilience. Requested Action: Support funding for Dubuque's critical flood prevention infrastructure. Larqe Boat Dockinq Facilities Riverboat cruises and excursion boats have grown in popularity and represent one of the fastest growing segments in the ravel market. The number of excursion boats docking in Dubuque annually reflects this growth in popularity. In order to accommodate projected increased demands on Dubuque's limited large boat docking facilities, the City is seeking partnership with the federal government for large boat dock infrastructure funding. Requested Action: Include marine infrastructure funds in the proposed infrastructure plan. BROADBAND AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS Communications As a member of the National League of Cities (NLC), the United States Conference of Mayors, and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), the City of Dubuque joins these organizations in acknowledging that the historic transformation of our communications infrastructure is essential to the economic competitiveness of the local governments, states and the nation. Preserve local authority to manage public rights of way for the bene�t of everyone. Cable television and video franchise agreements are an essential part of managing the rights of way and ensuring appropriate compensation for the benefit of the public. These benefits include not only monetary payments, but also franchise terms such as support for public, educational and governmental (PEG) access, including institutional networks (I-Nets). Protect local authority to establish taxes that are consistent with local needs and maintain adequate revenue. Local governments recognize and support efforts to modernize the collection and administration of local communications taxes, but in a manner that preserves the ability of local government to impose and collect taxes to fund vital services for its citizens consistent with local values. Protect and enhance local ability to provide for homeland and hometown security. Local governmenYs first responders need fully deployed E911 , access to spectrum and funding for interoperable communications to protect the public. 14 Recognize local roles in promoting nondiscriminatory access to the full range of communications services. Municipalities are helping to bring advanced services to individuals and small businesses. Cities must have the autonomy necessary to encourage competition and infrastructure deployment that will lower prices and improve service quality for their citizens. Requested Action: . Do not nationalize cable and video franchising. . Protect local governments'ability to facilitate or offer advanced communications services to their citizens . Any changes to the collection and administration of communications taxes, including extensions or modi�cations of the Internet Tax Freedom Act, must preserve local authority to collect revenue consistent with local needs. . Do not undermine or eliminate support for PEG access and 1-Nets. Speci�cally support Community Access Preservation (CAP) Act of 2009 (H.R. 3745) by making this a federal legislative priority Local Government Principles for Communications Policy Modernization We believe that Congress and state and local governments can achieve these goals by embracing the following principles: • State and Local Authority The City of Dubuque supports a balanced federalist approach that encourages new innovation and technology while preserving appropriate authority for state and local governments to protect their citizens — particularly in relation to public safety and homeland security, promoting local competition, promoting economic development, taxation, expansion of access to advanced networks, rights-of-way management, and consumer protection. • Public Safety State and local public safety agencies rely heavily on communications services and systems to protect public safety. In order for states and localities to carry out this mission, it is essential that important obligations, such as E911 and CALEA, be applied to all relevant communications platforms, regardless of technology. States and localities must also have sufficient spectrum and funding to obtain interference-free, interoperable emergency communications. In addition, it is important to preserve and strengthen the ability of state and local government to protect and warn the public through emergency alert systems. • Use of public property and right-of-way State and local governments are the trustees of public property and must retain the power to manage those assets for the benefit and safety of the community. • Municipal Broadband State and local governments can play an important role in making advanced services, including broadband services, available to their citizens, based on specific local needs and conditions. Federal policy should promote the rights of local governments that choose to offer those services directly to their citizens. 15 • Video Franchising The federal government should not preempt or restrict local authority to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements and grant franchises to video providers. Public, educational, and governmental channels are important tools citizens use to participate City of Dubuque Supports: Legislation that preserves and extends municipal government authority to provide communications services to their constituents. Legislation that overturns the FCC cable franchise order and returns to the local franchising scheme set out in the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984. The City of Dubuque opposes a wireless tax moratorium. Ensuring expanded access to multichannel video programming is an important role of local government. • Expanded Access States and localities support policies and programs that advance access to communications services and ubiquitous broadband deployment in all areas of the country. Current initiatives that promote universal and affordable access to communications services include the federal and state universal service funds, the E-Rate program, Lifeline and Linkup, urban and rural infrastructure support mechanisms, and obligations ensuring equitable cable and broadband deployment. • Taxation States and localities should retain full flexibility, as does the federal government, to structure their tax policies in ways that best serves their citizens. • Consumer Protection States and localities are best positioned to respond effectively to a wide variety of consumer concerns, including but not limited to complaints related to: service quality and affordability, reliability, deceptive practices, billing practices, privacy, and criminal activity. • Wireless Zoning and Siting It is essential for local communities to be able to address the expansion of wireless facilities so as to promote the deployment of advanced communications while also protecting the interests of citizens in safety, sound planning, and aesthetic concerns. Cellular carriers have petitioned the FCC to create new, onerous regulations that would make it more difficult for local governments to carry out their responsibilities in this area. The Communications Act prohibits such FCC regulation. Congress should ensure that the balance struck in federal law is not overturned by agency action. Local government strongly endorses promoting competition for all consumers and treating like services alike. The elected leaders of our nation's cities and counties stand ready and willing to welcome video competition in their communities. Centralizing franchising at the federal or state level, however, limits the benefits of head-to-head video competition to a chosen few, and deprives consumers of important protections. •The FCC Recent FCC actions to regulate local franchising have compromised local governments' ability to act in the best interests of their citizens. Congress should act to prevent the FCC from 16 overstepping its authority and altering the balance of federal, state, and local authority that Congress established in the Cable Act. The FCC's recent orders fly in the face of the law and threaten to disrupt long-standing cable television franchise agreements. The City of Dubuque supports efforts for Internet to remain a level playing field for all and the FCC to protect an "open interneY' sometimes referred to as "Net Neutrality." Although the courts have upheld the transparency rule but vacated the no-blocking and no-unreasonable-discrimination rules, the current FCC guarantee of net neutrality will most likely go away after the FCC Commission meeting scheduled for December 14, 2017. The new arrangement stands to benefit large ISPs immensely while potentially harming small start-ups, entrepreneurs and consumers especially in locations where providers are limited. Although there is a disclosure requirement and providers are prevented from engaging in unfair, deceptive and anticompetitive practices, issues will be handled after occurring and providers could bypass unfair practices in the name of"reasonable, network management." Requested Action: • States where statewide or state-controlled franchising is currently in place do not see greater or faster video competition deployment than states where it is not. • Franchises do not just provide permission to offer video services. They are the core tools local government uses to manage streets and sidewalks, provide for public safety, enhance competition, and collect compensation for private use of public land. Eliminating local franchises deprives local government of the power to perform basic functions. • Competition is for everyone. Current national policy implemented through franchises encourages competition throughout the country, not just in urban or suburban areas and not just for the wealthy. In less than ten years, under the current system, broadband service has been made available to 91 percent of all homes passed by cable. • Neither Congress nor the FCC should try to manage local streets and sidewalks from Washington. National franchising would abrogate a basic tenet of federalism by granting companies access to locally owned property on federally de�ned terms. • Market factors, not local governments, control the pace of new broadband deployment. Telephone companies have not yet seriously dedicated resources to negotiate franchises in many markets. Potential video competitors require relatively few franchises to implement their announced business plans (for AT&T 1,500-2,000 franchises, for Verizon 100-200 franchises). • Tech Entrepreneurship and Competition States and localities benefit from, and support, competition and innovation and technology neutrality. When a fully competitive market does not exist, states and localities must retain the authority to ensure nondiscriminatory access to essential facilities, to prevent incumbents from using market power to stifle competition and innovation, and to maintain consumer safeguards when market forces fail. There are arguments for and against net neutrality. However, given Dubuque's somewhat restricted access to broadband and the City's focus on small business and innovation, Dubuque 17 would likely be impacted by the anti-competitive risks that come with ending net neutrality more than other lowa communities. Requested Action: The City supports legislation that would restore net neutrality. Citv/Countv Emerqencv Services The need for a combined 911 Communications Center and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been brought to the forefront of the public safety committee after multiple recent events. The current communications center is undersized for the needs of our increased population and calls for service. The center is unable to expand to meet the increasing demands of the emergency calls and for future technologies. The recent disasters that occurred in Dubuque County and the State of lowa brought the need for a dedicated emergency operations center to the forefront. The city and county now use the classroom areas of the Dubuque County Firefighters Training Center which is converted as needed to an EOC operation. An extended flooding event along the Mississippi River or any other long-term disaster would tax the resources of the city and county and the current set up would hamper our response to disasters. We are experiencing more major weather events and disasters and we have received eight presidential disaster declarations in the past 18 years. Our 911 center needs to have room available for expansion. A dedicated EOC will allow local government the ability to enhance response and recovery operations following an event it would also assist us in preparing for planned events that overtax our response capabilities. Requested Action: Assist the City of Dubuque in identifying funding support for a combined 911 Center/EOC estimated to cost$14-$16 million dollars. HOUSING Communitv Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fundinq The City of Dubuque relies on CDBG money to fund many of its vital programs. Projects that are at least partially funded by CDBG include rehabilitation of rental and owner-occupied housing, homeowner education classes, lead paint hazard abatement, commercial and industrial building rehabilitation and economic development, childcare referral services, dispute resolutions services, to support operations of several non-profits providing direct services to income-eligible individuals and families, as part of the community development/neighborhood strategy program. In the last ten years, the City's formula allocation of CDBG funding has been cut by nearly 32 percent, or $444,283. This severe cut has hurt local communities — local economies, local projects, and, most importantly, the low- and moderate-income households that reside in these communities and need the assistance. Due to reductions in funding, we expect to serve several thousand fewer low and moderate-income people than we served in 2010. In addition, we expect to serve fewer households with housing development programs like down-payment assistance or homeowner rehabilitation. The CDBG formula funding has never been adjusted for inflation (since the inception of the program in 1974), even though construction costs, wages, and other program costs have escalated sharply in the past four decades. Continued funding of CDBG is needed to provide the 18 flexibility for communities to fund a myriad of activities, fill gaps where needed, and attract additional resources to projects. The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Community Development Association are calling for $3.3 billion, in formula funding for the Community Development Block Grant program and continued administrative funding for CDBG. Currently, CDBG communities can use up to 20 percent of the grant on administrative and planning costs. Communities need the flexibility to use up to 20 percent of their grant to meet the administrative and planning requirements of the program. Requested Action: The City of Dubuque asks our congressional members to support the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and urge you to appropriate at least $3.3 billion in formula funding for the program in FY 2018. CDBG has been critical in meeting the public improvement, public services, economic development, and affordable housing needs in our community. Further, there is great opportunity for this program to support the funding needs of the USEPA Lead and Copper Rule and assist with the replacement or rehabilitation of lead water service lines. The City of Dubuque also requests increased funding for the administration of the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Tax reform was a priority goal of the 115�h Congress. We appreciate that the Dubuque congressional delegation understands that cities benefit from partnerships with private sector developers when tax credits can be employed to restore and adapt older structures and return them to active use thereby creating jobs, increasing tax revenue and reducing incidents of calls for service in deteriorating areas of our communities. In this context, we are pleased that the goal of tax reform did not eliminate model tax credit programs like the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit. We will, however, continue to advance and protect City interests in the U.S. Tax Code, including further progress on restoration of the state and local tax deduction (SALT). Federal Historic Tax Credits The Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit is the nation's largest federal incentive promoting urban and rural revitalization through private investment in reusing historic buildings. The credit encourages reinvestment in downtowns, generates jobs, and is instrumental in preserving the historic places that give cities, towns and rural areas their unique character. For every one dollar invested through the Federal Historic Preservation tax credit five dollars are leveraged from the private sector. The credit is not paid until all the restoration work is complete and approved by the US Department of Interior. Dubuque has seen total improvements valued at $700 million since 1985 in the downtown, on Main Street and on the riverfront. Of note: The Historic Tax Credit Coalition is working on a legislative proposal to eliminate the basis reduction requirement for the Historic Tax Credit in its entirety. Experts estimate that making this change would almost entirely make up for the lost value from the new requirement that the credit be taken over five years. 19 Requested Action: . Raise the credit from 20 percent to 30 percent for projects with Quali�ed Rehabilitation Expenditures under$2,500,000. . Strike three of the four disquali�ed lease rules (all except the "sale leaseback') from the program. . Allow for the Transfer of Credits for Small Projects (Section 3 of the Historic Tax Credit Improvement Act (HTCIA)(H.R. 3846/S.425). This provision would allow the certi�cation of the credit for deals under$2.5M. . Reducing Basis Adjustment(Section 5 of the HTCIA) This provision would reduce the amount of depreciable basis adjustment from 100 percent to 50 percent of the historic tax credit, creating a more valuable asset at the time of transfer. Opportunitv Zones Opportunity Zones will use tax incentives to draw long term investment to census tracks struggling with high poverty and sluggish job and business growth. The program aims to revitalize neighborhoods and towns in need of investment. The payoff for the investors will come in the form of avoided capital gains taxes for corporations and others who invest. Dubuque is advancing programs and projects that would incent significant investment in the North End of Dubuque. This program would be useful and could accelerate a return to resiliency and economic vitality to the North End neighborhoods. Requested Action: Support Opportunity Zones timely rulemaking at Treasury to enable reinvestment and redevelopment in Dubuque and communities across the country. New Markets Tax Credit Proqram The New Markets Tax Credit program provides a potential financing tool for major economic development projects in Dubuque including the Historic Millwork District restoration and revitalization, the Dubuque Pack site redevelopment and the Briggs project on the Fourth Street peninsula. Unfortunately, the program has not benefited rural states and communities in the same manner it has benefited larger metro centers. Expanding and streamlining the program and helping to ensure it is accessible to smaller communities in rural states would benefit the City of Dubuque and its partners in the private sector. Additionally, the flexibility of the program is desirable, but its accompanying complexity tends to increase legal, accounting, and Community Development Entity (CDE) fees, since each project is unique and thus requires extensive planning and oversight to achieve and maintain program compliance. These increased fees reduce the amount of equity available for the project, often rather significantly. Finding ways to streamline the program would benefit projects and communities that make use of this funding tool. Requested Action: Continued support of this important program for urban restoration. 20 Marketplace Fairness Act The Marketplace Fairness Act is proposed legislation that would enable state governments to collect sales taxes and use taxes from remote retailers with no physical presence in their state. This legislation would essentially "level the playing field" for our small business retailers, who compete for business with online sellers, by applying sales tax to the online competitors' customer purchases. Small businesses have generated over 65 percent of the net new jobs since 1995. Supporting the Marketplace Fairness Act would support local, small business and improve the economy. Requested Action: Support the Marketplace Fairness Act. "Cadillac Tax" While the 40°k excise tax on high-cost employee-sponsored healthcare plans has been delayed until 2022, many cities remain concerned that the tax will eventually force them to choose between reductions to employee benefits or absorbing higher costs. While this issue is not an immediate threat, the City must lay the groundwork for future action. Requested Action: Full repeal of the "Cadillac Tax." Arts & Culture The current administration and its policy advisors are calling for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities. We ask Congress to stand firm and support NEA and NEH. Arts and culture represent a powerful investment in our national economy. . The arts are a $704 billion industry . The arts mean business accounting for 4.2 percent of the nation's annual GDP. . The arts deliver an economic advantage, generating a $24 billion annual trade surplus . The arts equal jobs, employing 4.7 million workers. . The very small NEA budget serves as a significant leveraging tool that has helped create an entire industry of locally based small business and jobs that cannot be outsourced. The Dubuque City Council has prioritized the arts and has commissioned and funded an Arts Master Plan. In Dubuque, the arts make an annual economic impact of$47 million, support 1550 jobs, distribute $36.7 million in household income to residents and return $5 million in state and local government revenue. Requested Action: Support funding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Support of the NEA widens citizen access to the cultural, educational, and economic bene�ts of the arts, and advances creativity and innovation in communities across the United States. Federal funding for the arts leverages private funding. On average, each NEA grant leverages at least seven dollars from other state, local and private 21 sources. Private support cannot match the leveraging role of government cultural funding. The arts mean jobs! The nonpro�t arts industry generates $166.2 billion annually in economic activity, supports 5.7 million full-time equivalent jobs in the arts and related industries, and returns $12.6 billion in federal income taxes. Measured against direct federal cultural spending of about $1.4 billion, we see a return of nearly nine to one. Support funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Since its creation in 1965, NEH has established a signi�cant record of achievement through its grantmaking programs. Over these �ve decades, NEH has awarded more than $5.6 billion for humanities projects through more than 64,000 grants. That public investment has led to the creation of books, �Ims, and museum exhibits, and to ensuring the preservation ofsigni�cant cultural resources around the country. NEH grants have reached every part of the United States and provided humanities programs and experiences to bene�t all of our citizens. PUBLIC HEALTH Crescent Communitv Health Center Community Health Centers (CHC's) across the country have consistently demonstrated the value of the care they provide. Community Health Centers are an affordable and accessible source of primary and preventive health care for 23 million underserved individuals, including more than 184,000 here in lowa. In 2015, Crescent served over 6,200 patients for a total of almost 18,000 patient visits, up from 15,000 visits in 2014. In 2015, Congress extended the Community Health Center Fund assuring health centers a continued source of mandatory funding of$3.6 billion annually for two additional years (FY16 and FY17). The extension temporarily averted the "Primary Care Cliff' which would have ended mandatory funding—resulting in a 70°k cutback in program funding. In the current fiscal year (FY16), the nation's health centers are funded with $1 .4 billion from discretionary funds and $3.6 billion in mandatory funds. Requested Action: Address the funding shortfall for Health Centers and ensure that Health Centers can continue to meet the health care needs of millions of Americans, including 184,000 patients in lowa. Failure to fund health centers will result in site closures, staff layoffs, and massive service reductions. Cost - effective programs with proven positive outcomes such as the Health Center Program must be preserved and strengthened. In addition to maintaining the mandatory funding, Congress should seek a longer-term appropriations solution to this funding to allow more stability and consistency forhealth centerservices and budgeting. Since its inception in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has been building healthy communities by connecting primary health care providers to areas of the United States with limited access to care. The biggest factor limited Health Centers' ability to serve additional patients in need, is the challenge they face in recruiting and retaining qualified, culturally-competent, mission- driven providers. Continued investment in programs like the National Health Service Corps (which provides scholarships and loan repayment to clinicians willing to serve in shortage areas) and 22 Teaching Health Centers program (which supports residency training in Health Centers) must go hand-in-hand with other incentives to support a strong clinical workforce in Health Centers. NHSC loan repayment and scholar programs are essential recruitment tools for community Health Centers and must be sustained. In lowa, more than 50 providers working in CHCs are current recipients of NHSC support or have completed their obligations and chose to continue practicing at CHCs. Requested Action: We ask that Congress act to ensure the future of the National Health Service Corps. Continue funding for the National Health Service Corps and the Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education programs, both of which support the primary care workforce necessary to serve underserved communities with high-quality integrated care. Many members of congress and President Trump have advocated the "repeal and replace" of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA "replacemenY' needs to ensure that vulnerable and low- income persons can access high quality, affordable health insurance (such as through lowa's innovative Medicaid expansion program called the lowa Health and Wellness Plan) and other safeguards to maintain historically low uninsured rates. IYs imperative that an effective replacement plan be enacted at the same time that repeal language is passed to ensure minimal disruptions to patient health insurance coverage and mitigate provider business instability. Requested Action: If all or portions of the ACA are repealed by Congress, we request that the following concepts be included and enacted at the same time that the repeal is passed: . If Medicaid expansion is repealed, a safety net operation must be implemented that ensures that vulnerable and lower-income citizens can access high quality, affordable healthcare services. . If greater flexibility is granted to states to operate the Medicaid program, ensure that safety net provider protections are maintained. . Maintain eligibility of persons aged 25 and younger to maintain coverage through a parent's employer-based health insurance. . Do not allow prior health conditions to be factored into health insurance cost and eligibility criteria. Healthcare Coveraqe for Residents from the Republic of the Marshall Islands In 1986, the United States signed a Compact of Free Association with three Pacific Island nations, including the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Compact was the result of a history of nuclear weapons testing by the U.S. in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1948. The testing consisted of 67 explosive tests which equates in total power to 7,200 Hiroshima sized weapons. This created many serious direct and indirect health outcomes. The Compact permits the Marshallese to migrate to the U.S. for reasons such as health care, economic opportunities, and education. The Marshallese can legally live and work in the U.S. while retaining their citizenship in the Marshall Islands. Many of the individuals from the Marshall Islands suffer from serious chronic conditions and health disparities, including effects from U.S. nuclear test bombings. 23 300-600 Marshallese reside in Dubuque and over 1 ,000 in the State of lowa. There were 155 Marshallese speaking students enrolled in the Dubuque Community School District in the 2015- 16 school year. The Marshallese have some of the highest rates of cancer and diabetes. Diabetes prevalence is estimated at 25-50°k of Marshallese adults. They lack access to the resources to prevent and treat their conditions. This stems from their ineligibility for federal insurance programs due to their non-citizen/immigration status. A local survey of 82 Marshallese adult residents in Dubuque revealed that 61°k have diabetes, 28°k have heart disease, 5°k have cancer, and 5 percent have hypertension. 73°k of those interviewed lack health insurance. 58°k have not seen a doctor within the last year, 65°k of those because they lack health insurance, and 23°k because of cost. Currently, individuals covered by the COFA who are living, working, and paying taxes in the U.S. are not eligible for federal healthcare programs. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as it is currently written provides for health care tax credits and subsidies, some proposed ACA amendments would explicitly block that access for COFA residents. Other proposed amendments expand catastrophic coverage to those over age 30, raising the concern that vulnerable populations with limited health literacy will need assistance to fully understand these options and their limitations. At the same time, there is a proposal to end 20 years of funding for the REACH program (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health), which is the only federal community driven program focused on ending health disparities. Requested Action: Restore Medicaid eligibility for COFA residents. Ensure proposed amendments to the Affordable Care Act(ACA) do not block COFA residents from accessing health care tax credits and subsidies that are currently available to them under the ACA. Support funding for programs to reach vulnerable populations with limited health literacy, such as the REACH program (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health). 24 PLANNING Invest in the Nation's Critical Infrastructure Strong economies and vibrant communities require good infrastructure. Well-planned infrastructure investments are a catalyst for economic growth, long-term prosperity, and access to opportunity for all. Today's bipartisan support for infrastructure holds the promise of not only new jobs and revenue but also stronger communities providing access to prosperity and opportunity. At the same time, we need not just more investment, but better investment. Any federal infrastructure program should be driven by key principles of good planning. Strategies Include: Enact a new infrastructure investment program to spur economic growth, support communities and regions, and expand opportunity. Ensure adequate and sustainable funding for vital domestic policies and programs that build strong communities, advance equitable economic growth, support housing and community development, preserve critical environmental protections, and promote opportunity. Reform the federal tax code to better support the development of strong communities, robust infrastructure, walkable neighborhoods, and affordable housing. Support local parks as essential community infrastructure. Improve support for a safer transportation system with improved active mobility options for people. Advance Policies that Promote Social Equity, Inclusive Communities, and Expanded Access to Economic and Social Opportunities for All The promise of equal opportunity and access to economic and social mobility for all is a fundamental component of the American dream. Inequality, stagnant growth, and systemic barriers to community development have deep costs for individuals, families, and communities. Planning is an essential part of engaging the public and identifying both barriers to and opportunities for shared, inclusive growth. Federal and state policies and programs should directly address social equity challenges and support efforts to create more prosperous and more just communities. Income inequality, stagnant wages, and discrimination are serious threats to social cohesion and limit access to the opportunities that improve the lives of individuals and entire communities. Deepening divides in the face of technology and workforce changes threaten to worsen community unrest and adversity. As a result, we must take extra steps to build stronger mechanisms that enable people and their communities to realize opportunities and to share in the economic prosperity America has to offer. Strategies Include: Develop a new economic development and mobility initiative that assists communities dealing with long-term economic restructuring and persistent poverty. 25 Address the nation's affordable housing challenges and maintain key regulatory structures that promote fair housing and access to opportunity. Ensure equity and engagement are components of new infrastructure investments. Encourage and support urban agriculture and encourage better local, regional, and state food system planning. Provide High-quality Federal Data that Supports Effective Local Planning and Decision making Good planning is based on sound, comprehensive data, and the federal government is a key provider of this essential information. In an era of frequent distrust of institutions and opinions posing as data, we need reliable and robust data sources to guide sound decision making at the local, state, and federal levels. Good data is necessary forthe analysis required to establish priorities for investment and changes in policy, rather than gut feel or cronyism. This supports our other policy priorities. Strategies Include: Support and improve federal data programs while expanding data agency coordination and local use of critical data. Promote the research, development, and deployment of and planning for smart technologies. Help communities improve coordinated and comprehensive approaches to hazard mitigation planning. Respect local plans and planning authority. Census 2020 The City Planning department is preparing for the 2020 Census. Technical assistance and funding from the regional Census Bureau office proved invaluable in the past to get an accurate count of our residents. As a part of City preparation, staff will be engaging in public outreach and education with community stakeholders and partners. The City is committed to an inclusive and thorough Census process and request that our members of Congress understand, adequately fund and provide oversight for the execution of an accurate Census count. Requested Action: Congress to appropriate su�cient funding and provide su�cient oversight for the 2020 Census. Certified Local Government Proqram The Certified Local Government (CLG) program was established as part of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to create federal, state and local governmental partnerships, provide 26 historic preservation training and technical assistance, and encourage preservation and wise use of historic resources at the local level. In lowa, the Certified Local Government program is one of the historic preservation offerings of the State Historic Preservation Office, part of the State Historical Society of lowa, a division of the lowa Department of Cultural Affairs. To participate in the CLG program, a local government must have a local historic preservation program that complies with CLG program requirements. To qualify for or obtain "certified status", the local government must demonstrate that its local historic preservation program meets certain standards. For the local government, its staff and Historic Preservation Commission, there are some direct benefits of participating in the CLG program. There is free historic preservation training and technical assistance from the State's historic preservation staff. Participating cities and counties receive a start-up preservation reference library for use in developing and administering the program. Cities and counties in the CLG program qualify for a small, competitive, matching CLG grant program that is open only CLG program participants. These federal pass-through grants can be used to underwrite all historic preservation activities except rehabilitation. In lowa, the CLG program has helped cities and counties to develop their local historic preservation programs as a tool to help promote downtown revitalization; to protect, stabilize and revive historic neighborhoods; and to provide an authentic foundation for heritage tourism. Requested Action: The City of Dubuque supports continued federal funding for the Certi�ed Local Government(CLG) Program. Land and Water Conservation Fund Land and water conservation fund has been critical to the development of outdoor recreational opportunities in Dubuque. Past grant awards have funded softball field development for youth and adults, open space development in the area of historically significant places along the Mississippi River and expansion of the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area. Each of these developments has been very important to expansion of outdoor recreation. Continued funding of this program is critical to Dubuque as a partnering source for accomplishing outdoor recreation for our citizens. Requested Action: The City of Dubuque supports reauthorization of and full and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Livable Communitv Initiatives A Platform for Stronger, Healthier, and More Just Communities through Planning The American Planning Association believes that federal policy can be a vital tool for supporting local planning that strengthens communities and provides greater access to economic and social opportunity. A supportive framework in federal policy for good local planning is essential to the health, resilience, and prosperity of the nation and its communities. 27 Requested Action: The City of Dubuque supports federal legislation to integrate comprehensive planning efforts with livable community initiatives that promote sustainability, economic growth and local innovation. SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT COMMUNITIES The City of Dubuque identified becoming a more Sustainable City as one of its top priorities in 2006. Since then, multiple strategies and practices have been implemented to make Dubuque a more sustainable community. In 2016, the City was honored to be recognized as one of the White House's 16 Climate Action Champions. The City is a member of Climate Communities, the Urban Sustainability Directors Network and ICLEI — Local Governments for Sustainability and joins those organizations in supporting local government action on climate change and resiliency as essential for America to achieve energy independence, renew economic prosperity and preserve biodiversity. Federal policies must empower local governments with the tools and resources to respond to the climate challenge. We request your support in achieving the following goals: . Invest in local climate capacity through annual federal appropriations such as the Department of Energy Clean Cities program, the US Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry program, Stormwater and Drinking Water funding, and Green Infrastructure programs. . Build self-reliant communities that are prepared for climate impacts. . Support community revitalization by Enacting legislation that enables basic sustainability principles, such as historic preservation, improved energy efficiency, brownfield redevelopment, and community redevelopment. Weatherization Assistance Program Dubuque, like communities across the country, is striving to increase equitable access to affordable housing for all residents. Excessive energy costs exacerbate the housing cost burden low-income residents experience. On average, low-income households spend 7.8 percent of annual income on energy services, compared to 3 percent of income for all households. Recognizing the increasing cost of energy and the significant impact this required cost has on low- and moderate-income residents, the City advocates for continued sufficient funding of the Weatherization Assistance Program and that funds be used to invest in home improvements wherever possible. By investing in improvements rather than assisting with energy bills, these funds can be used to fix the root of the problem rather than putting a band-aid on it. National Energy Planning Policy The City encourages adoption of a long-term, sustainable national energy policy, addressing decreasing availability of petroleum, energy self-sufficiency, economic competitiveness, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental protection, and social equity. This policy should recognize and separate the long-term development of replacement and alternative energy sources from short-term fluctuations in market prices for energy. This policy should also recognize the impact that energy-efficient land use patterns, building design, and transportation modalities have on the demand for energy. 28 Data and Measurement The City recognizes the importance of easy, consistent, and affordable access to energy data at the community level as an integral component of energy, sustainability, healthy communities, and community planning. We advocate for transparent data processes that allow communities to review utility data while also ensuring adequate data security and privacy. Energy Impacts We encourage evaluating the energy related impacts along with other impacts resulting from proposed plans and development related to the siting of energy generation and transmission facilities in order to mitigate their adverse impacts on land use, environment, economy, health, quality of life, and national security. PACE Financing We encourage federal and state legislation supporting Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing so that the costs associated with energy efficiency improvements can be shared by the property owners who experience the benefits of those improvements. Environmental Justice We support state and federal efforts in striving to attain environmental equity and justice with regard to the siting of energy facilities, resource extraction, energy generation, distribution infrastructure, and energy-related waste disposal. Distributed Energy Generation The City supports distributed energy generation systems that utilize community energy generation and "smart grid" public infrastructure that supports both conservation and energy efficiency. Smart Grid Technology We support modernization of the nation's electrical grid that will allow for the efficient integration of innovative technologies such as renewable energy systems and electric vehicles and makes it possible to offer dynamic electricity pricing options that can reduce strain on the grid while benefitting consumers. Advances in metering technology also create opportunities to provide consumers with access to more information about their electricity usage and costs, which can inform their decisions about energy consumption. Research and Development The City recognizes that in the short and mid-term, oil, coal, and natural gas will continue to be significant sources of energy for the United States and other nations until other forms of energy can be developed at a scale to adequately replace the world's reliance on fossil fuels. Therefore, continued focused research and development in improving the efficient use of these sources while reducing the environmental costs must be a high priority for the United States. We support expanded research and development funding and efforts to create and improve alternative and renewable energy sources and the development of energy transition scenarios for use by local officials and the general public. Pre-Disaster Mitiqation Proqram The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program effectively reduces threats to communities and structures at risk for flooding by funding preparation in advance of natural disasters, while also reducing a community's reliance upon Federal post-disaster recovery funds. PDM provided over$70 million in pre-disaster planning and mitigation to 39 states and territories in 2011 , saving money by investing in disaster preparation, when every dollar spent on disaster mitigation yielded four dollars in benefits. Disaster frequency 29 is increasing creating unprecedented costs. Since the turn of the millennium, natural disasters have become more severe and more chronic in the United States increasing from typically 47 per year to 61 over the last decade, recently topping-out at 97 in 2011 . The City of Dubuque has also documented an increase in frequency and intensity of storm and rain events. We support the value of PDM as a program that protects the City and makes Dubuque more resilient. Requested Action: Support and fully fund the Federal Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program at the requested level of$100 million for FY19. Indian Gaminq Requlations The City is concerned about the uncontrolled growth of Indian Casinos on off premises (reservation) lands. The City supports legislation that places safeguards on the growth of Indian casinos. Requested Action: . Rewrite Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act(IGRA), which authorizes reservation shopping. This means that under no circumstances can a tribe that already has land in trust acquire more land that is not contiguous to its reservation and use it for gaming. This will put a permanent end to reservation shopping. . Give local communities a seat at the table during the process to mitigate impacts of casinos proposed by newly recognized or restored tribes. This means the tribe and local community must enter into a memorandum of understanding where the tribe must pay the community for mitigation of direct effects of the casino on infrastructure and services like transportation and public safety. . Ban any attempts to establish off-reservation casinos outside of the state where the tribe presently resides. . Allow States to regulate Fantasy Sports and internet gambling. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP PRIORITIES AmeriCorps AmeriCorps makes measurable impacts on Dubuque's children. 89°k or 508 out of 571 Dubuque Community School District K- 3�d grade students tutored by the City of Dubuque's AmeriCorps Partners in Learning members improved their reading score from Fall 2016 — Spring 2017. 88°k of Dubuque Community School District students tutored by AmeriCorps members had an attendance of 90°k during the 2017-17 school year. Attendance is a determinate of successfully learning. This data shows the impact of our program on Dubuque Community School District students. Positive feedback from teachers, staff and instructional coaches regarding the academic, social and emotional impact AmeriCorps tutors have on the students they work with one on one and in small groups continues. 30 The City of Dubuque had an AmeriCorps Partners in learning program for the past fifteen years. Three years ago the program was totally revamped to create a laser focus on working with children when they are moving from learning to read to reading to learn is showing. Community organizations such as Multicultural Family Center and St. Marks Youth Empowerment, impact our citizens in the lower incomes and neighborhoods needing most assistance. The involvement of AmeriCorps members is critical to efforts of the city, schools and non-profits. The AmeriCorps Partners in Learning grant investment of $238,569 is matched with $221 ,939 public funds and $55,646 private funds. Our AmeriCorps program provides job training and education to the members. AmeriCorps members enter the workforce better trained, better educated, higher earning and more valuable employees due to their time in the program. AmeriCorps members learn civic engagement skills and connect in the community as well as build a volunteer base in the community. Each AmeriCorps member in lowa leverages over 40 traditional volunteers. Members are trained in disaster preparedness and volunteer reception centers to assist in natural disasters and have been deployed to areas of devastation including areas recently devastated by hurricanes this year. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members have also been used by the City. Currently the City has an Economic Opportunity VISTA working with Human Rights Department in collaboration with lowa Campus Compact and three VISTA members serving non-profit partners. In the past VISTA members work with a community-wide Campaign for Grade Level Reading Initiative in the areas of school readiness, attendance and summer learning and a fourth VISTA member coordinates data and performance measures. The capacity building efforts are very important to these powerful initiatives of the City. Dubuque also has hosted Green Corps AmeriCorps. VISTA members build capacity and truly work themselves out of a job. Dubuque is home to the first in the nation National Service Partnership, a partnership between local government, higher education, local non-profits, and state government that draws on multiple AmeriCorps resources to collectively impact poverty in Dubuque. The Dubuque National Service Partnership (DNSP) uses Days of Service and other events to educate the public about community needs and opportunities to serve in areas of need, while simultaneously focusing on improved business processes within organizations and improved outcomes for families served. On September 16, 2015, the Corporation for National and Community Service recognized the Dubuque National Service Partnership with an award in honor of retired Senator Tom Harkin. In 2013, Governor Terry Branstad recognized the DNSP with the lowa Non-Profit Collaboration Award for outstanding efforts to engage volunteers to impact complex social and economic needs. The collective impact of DNSP is very important in the community. Other AmeriCorps programs in Dubuque are the Foster Grandparents program through United Way, RSVP, Green lowa AmeriCorps, and Campus Compact. Here are the results of these partners. 2015-2016 VISTA members reported: . Over 20,000 hours of service contributed by community volunteers . An average of 78 economically disadvantaged community members who receive economic opportunity services per month . 422 community members participating in education and outreach programs . 45 new or enhanced systems and business processes 2015 RSVP program reported: 31 . 333 active volunteers gave 46,564 hours of service to 33 organizations in Dubuque County 2014-2015 Foster Grandparent program reported: . Volunteers helped 125 students improve their DIBLES score by 70°k in the Dubuque Community School District 2016-2017 Green lowa AmeriCorps: . Generated 2,800 volunteer hours each year . Saved low income, elderly, veterans and disabled $200,000 per year in energy cost . Completed nearly 100 weatherization's per year and reduced air flow by 19°k in homes Requested Action: Support AmeriCorps and funding for National Service Partnership through the Corporation for National and Community Service. Youth Re-enqaqement The city and its partners support legislation for youth re-engagement efforts that are designed to re-engage out-of-school youth and that provide multiple routes to high school completion, college, and career readiness. . To provide grant funding to district partnerships to significantly increase the rate of recovery for out-of-school youth in earning a high school diploma on a pathway to post-secondary success; . To incentivize and support the expansion and effectiveness of out-of-school youth reengagement programs that identify, re-enroll, and provide an individualized program that meets needs of out-of-school youth and leads to post-secondary success . To incentivize states and districts to develop funding and accountability policies that facilitate, and remove barriers to, the sustainable expansion of programs designed to re- engage out-of-school youth and that provide multiple routes to high school completion, college- and career-readiness, and the transition into post-secondary and career; and . To create a national exchange on effective practices, as well as other efforts, to support out-of-school youth reengagement policies and programs. Requested Action: The city supports the engagement of federal, state and district level leadership, policy and funding to reverse the growing trend of out-of-school youth. America's River at the Port of Dubuque: National Mississippi River Museum Vision: Become the world's leader in interpreting and protecting the life, history and culture of our rivers, to create a more global, knowledgeable and engaged citizen. 32 National Mississippi River Museum Mission: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium's mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is the most comprehensive river museum in the nation with a $50 million, 14-acre educational campus. We have hosted 4.3 million on-site visitors since 1977. Each year we serve 280,000 people — 205,000 on site visitors and 75,000 people in our RiverWorks Discovery outreach in 18 states. Over 75,000 of our 375,000 annual audience members are school children and �300 teachers. In the next five years, we will reach two million people through our Dubuque facility and our outreach programs and exhibits across the country. CRITICAL ISSUES We believe in the next decade that access to clean water, loss of critically endangered species, and a necessary increase in the public understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education will continue to be at the forefront of the global issues facing us all. River of Innovation: As the premier Mississippi River educational institution in the world, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium will inspire the next generation of River explorers, improve science literacy, encourage environmental stewardship, increase sustainability and community resilience, conduct original research, and increase the diversity and size of our audiences. This project received funding from the state of lowa in 2015 and is set to open in summer of 2019. 1. Reimagine Dynamic Visitor Experiences: We will inspire and engage a global audience with compelling and dynamic exhibits and programmatic experiences which give meaning to STEM education in an informal learning institution. Those are: a. Riveroflnnovation) consist of an intact 19�h century belt-driven machine shop, themed hands-on "Innovation CurrenY' exhibits, and a maker space to place the learner at the center of the boat building and cultural experience. These exhibits will interweave relevant history stories and interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) activities; reveal to visitors their own power to innovate; present a robust vision of innovation that address social, cultural, personal, or technological examples of innovation; and, provide authentic opportunities for visitors to create. This will broaden the museum's current audience base and serve as an institutional model for future project development and community engagement. Combining history, culture and STEM in ways not seen before on the Museum & Aquarium campus, River of Innovation aims to inspire the next generation to innovate. 2. Mississippi River Research Labs: We will use the Museum & Aquarium as a research facility to propagate threatened species, showcase new scientific discoveries, broaden partnerships, and improve habitats within the 31-state the Mississippi River watershed. 33 a. The River Museum's conservation focus will educate the public as to how they can promote conservation, convey the global importance of clean water, and foster efforts to protect and propagate endangered species. b. The US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFW) has continued interest in working with our organization to suroey and potentially propagate Mudpuppy and other species like the Salamander Mussel whose survival is directly linked to that of the Mudpuppy. The River Museum also prides itself on being a host site for FrogWatch USA, a citizen science program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that provides individuals, groups, and families with an opportunity to learn about wetlands in their communities and report data on the calls of local frogs and toads. c. StudentLed RiverResearch Program (SLRRP) is designed to engage middle school and high school students in authentic, meaningful scientific experiences so that they will develop a keen understanding of human and environmental impacts on endangered species. In the last two years, we have worked partnered with US Fish and Wildlife and engaged over 400 high school students, 102 summer campers, and over 100 STEM educators to propagate Higgins' eye Mussels, a native endangered species, to be released back into the Mississippi River. d. These and similar projects will significantly enhance the Museum's ability to deliver biological, environmental, and conservation education message focused on endangered species to youth and families, school groups, and educators. Opportunities for New and Continued Federal Partnerships: . Continue to work with USFW and other federal and state agencies to study, nurture, and propagate important species which are endangered or threatened and are typically not the primary focus of state DNRs. These include mussels, mud puppies, salamanders, toads, and other vital and often ignored species. . Work with USDA and others to engage people to reduce nutrient loading, understand sediment flow, and improve water quality for the Mississippi, its 31-state watershed, and the Gulf of Mexico. . Work with University of lowa Flood Center and with other regional and federal partners to raise awareness of flood prevention and flood control. The Museum has several partnerships with Federal agencies which can be explored for funding opportunities. The Museum is on the executive committee of Coastal America which works with NOAA, EPA, US Fish & Wildlife, Department of Agriculture and other agencies. . The Dubuque County Historical Society recently received funding from the Institute for Museum & Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America grant for Collections Stewardship: Collections Documentation Project which began in January 2016 and will continue through December 2018. . Pending grants to both IMLS and NEH have been written in support of our effort to maintain and improve the quality of those humanities efforts by restoring our historic 34 sites, preseroing and conseroing our collections, and increasing our capacity to raise significant funds. National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and IMLS supports museums as institutions of learning and exploration, and as keepers of our cultural, historical, and scientific heritages. These programs teach essential skills-such as creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication-that are increasingly being sought by employers. NEH also funds humanities councils in every state and U.S. territory, which sponsor family literacy programs, speakers' bureaus, cultural heritage tourism, exhibitions, and live performances. Since 1980, the Dubuque Country Historical Society (DCHS) has received $2.3 million from the NEH, and $1 .8 million from the IMLS to help preserve Dubuque, and the Mississippi River's cultural, historical, and scientific heritage through our exhibits, historic preservation and educational programming. This elimination of funds will play a dramatic role in future funding for the Dubuque County Historical Society wherein private dollars would not be able to match the leveraging role of government cultural funding. Requested Action: We ask for continued support for federal programs providing competitive grants including National Endowment for the Humanities, Institute for Museum and Library Services and other education and research grants that support the mission and goals of the Dubuque County Historical Society dba National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the National Rivers Hall of Fame's national education and outreach program RiverWorks Discovery. Mines of Spain- E.B. Interpretive Center The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area comprises 1 ,440 acres of forest and prairie along the Mississippi River, and is a significant resource for the Driftless Region. The park is a National Historic Landmark and a state preserve with rich historic, archeological and natural resources. It includes a state nature preserve and adjoins the Upper Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Refuge. This National Historic Landmark preserves rare riverfront habitat and also contains thousands of years of human history dating from the early Mississippian period through the early-twentieth century. The E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center serves as a visitor information center and park office for the Mines of Spain. It opened in 1976 on land acquired with a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. The Interpretive Center was doubled in size in 2010 to include more accessible space for educational purposes. The Friends of the Mines of Spain obtained private, local, state and federal funds for the project. Federal funding included LWCF, National Scenic Byway, and Preserve America grants. The 30-acre E.B. Lyons Interpretive Area surrounding the center was nearly tripled with acquisition of 52 adjacent acres in 2013. Land acquisition was funded by state grants, private contributions and a federal LWCF grant. In 2015, interpretive opportunities were expanded on the 82-acre E.B. Lyons Interpretive Area with construction of the state park's first accessible multi-use trail, an outdoor classroom, 35 interpretive kiosks, and additional parking. Development was funded with a federal LWCF grant, state grants and private contributions. Requested Action: The City supports any funding or programs that would provide additional land acquisition and park development because it will enhance and increase the park's cultural, natural, and recreational opportunities available to area residents and visitors while buffering the park from surrounding development. Additionally, the support of AmeriCorps and other programs that would help to expand and strengthen permanent staffing needs for the E.B. Lyons Nature Center. This in turn would ensure outstanding and consistent programming especially related to education of youth and families about sustainability, the environment, history and more. Requested Action: The Mines of Spain asks for continued support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and for AmeriCorps program which provides staff for myriad tasks at the Mines of Spain. 36