Legislative Correspondence_I JOBS II FundingMasterpiece on the Mississippi
VIA EMAIL
Legislative Information Office
Room G16
Iowa State Capitol
RE: Testimony regarding HSB 1
Dubuque
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City Manager's Office
City Hall
50 West 13 Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001 -4864
(563) 589 -4110 office
(563) 589 -4149 fax
ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org
January 14, 2011
The City of Dubuque opposes HSB 1, which would eliminate the Iowa Smart Planning
Act recently added to the Iowa Code.
The City of Dubuque fully supports Iowa's Smart Planning Principles and understands
the value of comprehensive planning. For over 20 years, the Dubuque City Council has
made Planned and Managed Growth a top priority for our community.
As a result, Dubuque has maintained and strengthened its long -term commitment to
strategic planning, funding and partnerships for downtown, riverfront, and neighborhood
revitalization as an award - winning Main Street Community since 1985.
Smart Planning Principles permeate City plans and programs for job growth, economic
development, and multi -modal transportation projects — making Dubuque the regional
center for the tri -state area.
Smart Planning Principles direct City activities and services that enhance our quality of
life, such as arts and culture grants, housing rehabilitation, new parks and trails, and
adaptive reuse of historic building — making Dubuque the top- ranked city in the nation
on Forbes' list of "The Best Small Cities to Raise a Family."
Smart Planning Principles for collaboration, partnerships, and sustainability led to the
selection of downtown Dubuque for IBM's new 1300 - employee service delivery center,
Dubuque's unique partnership with IBM as a pilot for the Smart Sustainable City
initiative, and an Excellence in Economic Development Award in the category of Public -
Private Partnerships for the redevelopment of the Roshek Building.
The City also opposes HSB 1 because it also rescinds any of the $30 million in I -JOBS
II infrastructure funds awarded last year for communities that have not yet entered into a
contract for their funds with the Iowa Finance Authority. The City of Dubuque fully
supports retention of the I -JOBS II infrastructure funding program.
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
Testimony regarding HSB 1
Page 2
The City of Dubuque received I -JOBS II funding for the City's Lower Bee Branch Creek
Restoration Project in 2010. This multi -year project will replace an underground storm
sewer with an open waterway, reducing the risk of flood damage to 1,150 properties
and improving water quality in some of Dubuque's oldest neighborhoods.
The Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project also will create a commercial development
site adjacent to the Mississippi riverfront. The anticipated development will create about
175 jobs. Approximately 225 construction jobs would be created and /or retained to build
the commercial development as well as construct the overall infrastructure project.
The Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project also will create a community and tourist
attraction and enhance recreational opportunities on and near the Mississippi River. The
project represents a tremendous opportunity to create a gateway community attraction
at Iowa's door along the Mississippi River, with a riverfront hub linking to City and
County trails, riverfront parks and attractions, and historic neighborhoods.
The City of Dubuque has been working for many years, seeking funding from a variety
of sources for this critical public works project. I -JOBS II funding is a critical component
to move this project forward, avoiding future floods and related loss of property and
prosperity in the area.
There are cities throughout Iowa where I -JOBS II funding will mitigate flooding, improve
water quality, and enhance quality of life. I -JOBS II funds are vital to the economic
health and vitality of Iowa communities.
We urge the Iowa Legislature to maintain both the Iowa Smart Planning bill and the (-
JOBS II funding.
Please contact me for more information. Thank you.
cc: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
F: \USERS \LCARSTEN \WP \Smart Planning Grant\MVM Testimony Letter for HSB 1.doc
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork