2011 Federal Legislative PrioritiesMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: 2011 Federal Legislative Priorities
DATE: February 17, 2011
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Michael C. Van Milligen
Dubuque
biltd
All-America City
/
2007
Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann is recommending adoption of the 2011 Federal
Legislative Priorities.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
2011 Federal Legislative Priorities
1. TRANSPORTATION
Southwest Arterial Project
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 project as the No. 1 surface transportation priority in the Dubuque area.
The proposed Southwest Arterial project will be a 6.1 -mile four -lane divided freeway with
priority 1- access control between Highway 61/151 and Highway 20.
Based on future traffic demand projections, as outlined in the Dubuque Metropolitan Area
Transportation Study (DMATS) Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Central Avenue
(Hwy 52/3), South Grandview Avenue and Kelly Lane are forecasted to be over capacity by
2012. The Southwest Arterial will provide an alternate, direct and efficient route for traffic
through southwestern Dubuque, thereby reducing traffic congestion on the local street
system, including Central Avenue (Hwy 52/3) through the downtown and Kelly Lane that is
through a residential neighborhood. The Southwest Arterial project will also relieve
congestion and improve safety on Highway 61/151 and Highway 20 through Dubuque.
Traffic Congestion on Local Street Network
1
Economic Development
The Southwest Arterial project will provide a significant national and regional economic
benefit in providing a direct connection between the new Dubuque Technology Park on
Highway 61/151 with the new Dubuque Industrial Center West, and the existing
Dubuque Industrial Center near Highway 20. The highway then extends north to John
Deere Dubuque Works via the Iowa Highway 32 (Northwest Arterial).
Dubuque Industrial
Ke y
• Southwest Arterial
Highways/Streets/Roads
• Dubuque City Limits
Southwest Arterial Roadway Alignment
2
ue Technolo
Since October 2001, 16 companies have made expansion decisions at the Dubuque
Industrial Center West, based upon assurances that the proposed Southwest Arterial
was in the engineering design phase and that the project would be in the Iowa
Department of Transportation five -year plan. The largest of the companies, McGraw -
Hill Publishing Company, made a decision to locate a new 330,000- square -foot
distribution center in the Dubuque Industrial Center West. The completion of Southwest
Arterial is vital to other expansion announcements: Alliant Energy, Adams Company,
Art's Way Manufacturing, American Tank & Fabrication, Giese Manufacturing, Tri -State
Industries, Kendall /Hunt Publishing, Oral Arts Laboratories, Dubuque Screw Products,
Theisen's Supply, Medline Industries, Vanguard Countertops, Hormel Food Corp, and
ITC Holding Corp. Other nationally recognized local companies asking for a connection
between Highway 20 and Highway 61/151 include John Deere Dubuque Works,
Nordstrom Distribution Center, A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing, Swiss Valley Farms,
Flexsteel Industries, and Dubuque Stamping and Manufacturing.
Dubuque is the regional economic center for the Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin tri -state
area. With local international companies such as the John Deere Dubuque Works,
Nordstrom Distribution Center, McGraw -Hill Publishing Company, A.Y. McDonald
Manufacturing, Flexsteel Industries, Kendall /Hunt Publishing, and the Hormel Food
Corporation, it is critical to construct the Southwest Arterial as an alternate, direct route
for commercial traffic through southwestern Dubuque. 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.
Mobility Benefits
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, including Central
Avenue (Hwy 52/3), Rockdale Road, Kelly Lane, Fremont, Cedar Cross Road, Starlight
and Crescent Ridge. Traffic wishing to travel beyond Dubuque will be able to take the
Southwest Arterial bypass around the City 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.
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.
Project Development - Current Status
The preliminary engineering design phase is completed and the Southwest Arterial
project is now proceeding with the final engineering design phase, right -of -way property
acquisition and archaeological and cultural resource phase 111 mitigation work.
3
Expenditure Obligation
The City is committed to advancing the development of the Southwest Arterial and
expending current available funding. The following is a summary of both federal and
local funding that has been requisitioned and obligated for expenditure to complete final
engineering design, right -of -way property acquisition, archaeological and cultural
resource phase III mitigation work and construction.
Expenditure Summary
FY 2009 - 2010
21,923,942
FY 2011
6,057,500
I Total Expenditure Obligation
27,981,442
Final Engineering Design
In March, 2009, the City approved the selection of AECOM to complete the final
engineering design phase. On August 27th, 2009, the City received official Iowa DOT
notification that the FHWA has given approval for AECOM to proceed with the final
design phase.
The technical design team is currently working on final engineering design elements,
including: interchange layout and configuration, bridge and structures design,
geotechnical subsurface investigation, sustainable highway design concepts,
architectural and landscape enhancement concepts, wetland delineations and
mitigation.
As part of the final design phase of the Southwest Arterial, the Iowa DOT and the
FHWA required that a formal Value Engineering (VE) Study be conducted. The primary
objective of the Study was to identify potential modifications that might decrease the
construction cost or to increase the value of the project. In November, 2009, the Value
Engineering Study was completed and a final report was issued.
The most significant value engineering (VE) alternative under strong consideration is
the proposed modifications to the Southwest Arterial / U.S. 20 / Seippel Road
interchange area. These changes could include; use of roundabouts, changes to the
ramp layouts, changes to the access road layouts, eliminate the need for a cross -over
bridge, and possibly eliminate the need to purchase three (3) properties along Cousins
Road. The potential VE savings to incorporate these savings are in the magnitude of
$5.9 million.
The full extent of the potential VE savings will be evaluated and further refined as the
project team proceeds into the final design phases, evaluates environmental impacts,
property acquisition impacts and the City conducts public informational meetings on the
proposed Southwest Arterial / U.S. 20 / Seippel Road interchange configurations under
consideration.
4
Property Acquisition
In February, 2009, the City signed a joint partnership agreement between the City and
the Iowa DOT to perform right -of -way property acquisition services for the Southwest
Arterial Project. On September 10, 2009, the City received official Iowa DOT notification
that the FHWA has given approval and authorization to proceed with right -of -way
acquisition.
The City and the Iowa DOT property acquisition staff are currently proceeding with right -
of -way property acquisition for the 44 impacted properties. As of December 2010, the
City has purchased 16 properties for a total purchase expenditure in the amount of $3.1
million to -date. There are currently 28 properties that are temporarily on -hold while the
design team further evaluated the proposed value engineering (VE) modifications to the
SW Arterial / U.S. 20 / Seippel Road interchange area and performs additional
geotechnical investigation near Military Road and the Highway 151/61 interchange to
verify property impact limits.
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the City and County
have committed all of the local transportation funding, $2.9 million, for the purchase of
property for the Southwest Arterial. As of September 2010, the City has spent and
received 2,898,967.70 in ARRA funding. By the end of the year, the City will be
submitting a reimbursement request to the Iowa DOT for the remaining balance of
$10,566.30 which will expend all ARRA stimulus funding.
Archaeological and Cultural Resource Mitigation
In the summer of 2010, work began on the archaeological and cultural resource
mitigation phase of the project. The City anticipates that 75% of the mitigation sites will
be completed by December 2010. The remaining mitigation sites will be completed as
those respective properties are acquired and prior to the start of construction.
Construction
To maximize available funding, the City is moving forward with "fast track" phased
project components to construct Southwest Arterial improvements that will provide
immediate public benefits and create significant construction efficiencies for the future
grading and paving of the four -lane freeway between Highway 151/61 to Highway 20.
The first phase of construction began in September, 2010 with the reconstruction of
North Cascade Road. The project will provide for the reconstruction (grading & paving)
and realignment of North Cascade Road which will allow the Southwest Arterial to travel
under the new North Cascade Road Bridge. The second construction phase, the
English Mill Road reconstruction project, is scheduled to begin the early spring /
summer of 2011 and will involve side road improvements that will allow the highway to
travel under the new English Mill Road Bridge.
5
Project Cost
Due to project funding constraints, the Project Technical Committee has been preparing
cost scenarios and evaluating construction alternatives for completing components of
the project with currently available federal, state and local funding.
Total Funding Projection Summary
Status
Amount
Total Federal Funds
Committed
$ 32,415,734
Total State Funds
Committed
$ 17, 760, 000
Total Local Funds
Committed
$ 15,808,967
I Total Federal / State / Local Funding:
$ 65,984,701
An alternate interim phase under consideration would include the acquisition of all right -
of -way required for the complete four -lane project, complete the archaeological and
cultural resource mitigation phases, complete final engineering design which would
provide for the grading of four -lanes between Highway 151/61 to Highway 20, pave two -
lane highway between Highway 151/61 to Highway 20, partial interchanges at Highway
151/61 and at Highway 20, and a temporary at -grade intersection at North Cascade
Road. The preliminary cost projection for the interim two -lane highway is $98,300,000.
Interim Build, Grade 4 -Lane, Pave 2 -Lane, Highway 20 to 61/151
$ 98, 300, 000
Total Federal / State / Local Funding:
$ 65,984,701
I Interim Project, 2 -Lane Highway - Funding Gap:
- $ 32,315,299 I
At current funding levels, there is a $32.3 million funding shortfall for the Southwest
Arterial to complete the interim two -lane highway between Highway 20 and Highway
61/151.
The interim two -lane highway would function until future additional funding is available
to complete the remaining two -lanes and construct full interchanges which would fully
complete the four -lane divided freeway and should provide a reasonable level of traffic
service through the year 2015. The preliminary cost projection for the complete four -
lane freeway project is $125,000,000.
Complete Project, 4 - Lane Freeway, Highway 20 to 61/151
$ 125,000,000
Total Federal / State / Local Funding:
$ 65, 984, 701
I Complete Project, 4 -Lane Freeway - Funding Gap:
- $ 59,015,299 I
6
At current funding levels, there is a $59 million funding shortfall for the Southwest
Arterial to complete the full build four -lane freeway project between Hwy 20 and Hwy
61/151. This project continues to be a top priority; therefore, other strategies are being
evaluated to insure that this project moves forward.
Federal Funding
As a result of hard work from Dubuque's congressional delegation, the Federal
Transportation Bill (SAFETEA -LU) presented a new opportunity for funding.
Congressman Nussle included into the House version of the bill $20 million. In
Conference Committee, the appropriation amount was reduced to $15 million and then
U.S. Senator Grassley was able to get the amount increased to $26.18 million. The
approved SAFETEA -LU Bill includes funding for the Southwest Arterial in the amount of
$26.18 million. The City extends its sincere appreciation to Congressman Nussle, and
U.S. Senators Grassley and Harkin for targeting this project with federal appropriation
authorization, which will play a critical role in moving forward with this project.
The Technical Corrections Bill was passed which authorized $5.5 million in unused
SAFETEA -LU grant funding for the U.S. 20 Bridge to be transferred of the Southwest
Arterial project.
Through the support and partnership of U.S. Senator Harkin, U.S. Senator Grassley and
Congressman Braley, the City was awarded a $950,000 appropriation as part of the
Omnibus Bill.
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the City and County
have committed all of the local transportation funding, $2.9 million, for the completion of
the Southwest Arterial. On April 6, 2009, the City of Dubuque officially informed the
Iowa DOT of the City's intention to appropriate all of the local transportation funding
distribution as part of the ARRA funding for the acquisition of right -of -way property for
the Southwest Arterial project.
The following table summarizes the appropriated federal funding to -date for the Iowa
Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial) project.
Federal Funding
Status
Amount
SAFETEA - LU ($26,180,000 Appropriation)
Committed
$ 23,582,825
Technical Corrections Bill - US20 Mississippi Bridge
SAFETEA -LU $5,500,000 transferred to SW Arterial
Committed
$ 4,973,375
FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act
Committed
$ 950,000
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
Committed
$ 2,909,534
I Total Federal Funding:
$ 32,415,734 I
* After SAFETEA -LU obligation limitations applied
7
The City of Dubuque and Dubuque County in partnership with U.S. Senator Harkin, U.S.
Senator Grassley and Congressman Braley have submitted an FY2010 Transportation
Appropriation Request in the amount of $2 million which will be used to complete the
final engineering design phase, complete the property acquisition process, and to
complete the archaeological and cultural resource phase 111 mitigation work. Future
requested funds will be used for construction of the project.
State of Iowa Funding
At the June 9, 2009 Iowa Department of Transportation Commission Meeting, the
Commission approved the upcoming Iowa 5 -Year Highway Transportation Improvement
Program which included $17.76 Million in funding programmed for the Southwest
Arterial Interchange at US Highway 20 and Seippel Road.
State Funding
Status
Amount
5 -Year Highway Transportation Improvement Program
Committed
$ 17,760,000
I Total State Funding:
$ 17,760,000I
Local Funding
The Iowa DOT Commission has challenged both the City and County to provide a local
financial commitment and seek local funding for this project and pursue all viable
options to fund the shortfall. The City and County have met the challenge and have
identified $15.8 million in local funds that could be used as matching cost for current
and future federal funding appropriations. The Southwest Arterial project continues to
be a top priority; therefore, other funding strategies are being evaluated to ensure that
this project moves forward.
The Southwest Arterial project has been part of the State TIP for the past ten years and
continues to be because the local Metropolitan Planning Organization, DMATS, has
committed $5.4 million in Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds and dedicated
local Enhancement funds of approximately $550,000 through 2013 for the project.
The City has allocated the use of DMATS STP funding on eligible City street
construction and traffic capacity / safety related improvement projects that will allow
local funds to be transferred to the Southwest Arterial Project and used as matching
cost for the federal funds. Staff has identified approximately $4.6 million in local project
funds that could be shifted using DMATS STP funds that would allow the leveraging of
approximately $18.4 million in federal dollars.
With the passage of a funding mechanism for TIME -21, the City and the County have
agreed to dedicate their revenues as local matching dollars to leverage the expenditure
of Federal funds. Based on preliminary projections, the City and County could receive
approximately $4.9 million over the next six years, which would allow the leveraging of
approximately $19.6 million in federal dollars.
8
DMATS STP Funds
Committed
$ 5,400,000
DMATS Enhancement Funds
Committed
$ 550,000
On May 14, 2009, Governor Chet Culver signed the $715 million Iowa Jobs (I -JOBS)
Program into law. Based on the funding distribution, the City will receive an
appropriation in the amount of $558,967. On May 18, 2009, the City Council approved
the commitment of all I -JOBS funding to the Southwest Arterial project.
The following table summarizes the local funding appropriated to -date for the Southwest
Arterial project.
Local Funding
Status
Amount
City - Capital Improvement Funding (2009 - 2014)
Committed
$ 4,600,000
TIME -21 Funding (City / County Allocation)
Committed
$ 4,700,000
I -JOBS Funding (City Allocation)
Committed
$ 558,967
I Total Local Funding:
$ 15,808,967 I
Future Funding Initiatives
The City requests any additional financial assistance that can be provided on the federal
level, as well as supporting of transferring the remaining unused Federal appropriated
SAFETEA -LU funds ($20 million) from the U.S. Highway 20 /Julien Dubuque Bridge
project to the Southwest Arterial.
Intermodal Facility
The City of Dubuque seeks funding in order to construct a Downtown Transportation
Center Intermodal Facility at the Port of Dubuque. The project cost estimate is in the
range of $20 -25 million. Similar projects in Iowa have been funded for the Near
Southside Transportation Center Intermodal Facility in Iowa City, Iowa and for the UNI
Multi -modal project in Waterloo.
The downtown, Port of Dubuque and Historic Millwork areas have supported
tremendous commercial growth over the last decade including grand tourist attractions
and festivals in the revitalized Port area: new local, regional, and national businesses in
downtown; and the restoration and revitalization of previously dormant historic buildings.
The net result is the generation of an active multifaceted district for working, living and
playing. The area has evolved from the traditional nine -to -five central business district
into a vibrant and lively activity center. This rapid evolution has created public concerns
about transportation and parking capacity. Construction of an Intermodal facility would
be a strategic use of the limited acreage available that would incorporate smart growth
principles to limit the number of parking surfaces and preserve as much land as
possible for strategic urban development consistent with the rest of the downtown area.
9
The project will include a parking and transit component and would integrate a concrete
parking structure containing approximately 750 parking stalls with the bus terminal
housed integrally within the structure at ground level. The proposed facility will be
located adjacent to a rail spur in either the Port of Dubuque or the Historic Millwork
District and will serve as a connecting tourist commuter train line along the Mississippi
River. The City is working with the Iowa DOT, the Illinois DOT, and Amtrak to secure
daily passenger service from Chicago to Dubuque. A current study is analyzing these
two sites to determine which would best serve the community's needs. This decision
should be finalized in the Spring of 2011. The parking facility will accommodate park -
and -ride and general parking users through hourly, daily and monthly revenues. The
bus operation provides pick -up and drop -off of public and private bus service including a
recently deployed trolley shuttle service between the downtown and the Port of
Dubuque, The Jule (formally Keyline) fixed route service, RTA, interstate charters and
local taxi cab and tour operators.
Both the Port of Dubuque Master Plan and the Historic Millwork District Master Plan
include construction of a transit station and the project is part of the metropolitan area
Tong -range transportation plan. Some environmental assessments have been completed
and others are a part of the current study.
The City is preparing an RFP to hire a consultant for preliminary design of the facility as
soon as a final determination is made on the site in the Spring of 2011. This work will be
funded by state and federal funds that have been set aside for this purpose.
This project is eligible for 80% (in the range of $16 -20 million) federal funding and the City
of Dubuque is seeking support of the Congressional delegation in securing those funds.
Amtrak Funding
Vision
To return commuter rail service between the City of Dubuque and the Chicago area.
History
In 2005, under the leadership of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, and
the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce discussion began on how to engage tri -state
area citizens in a community visioning process. A Selection Committee was formed to
coordinate this community -wide effort in developing a variety of ideas for the future of
greater Dubuque and facilitate Envision 2010: Ten Community Projects by 2010.
Although Dubuque is relatively homogeneous, every effort was made to achieve
diversity on the Selection Committee by age, gender, race, ability, and disability. After
the Selection Committee chose 100 ideas, the community came together again to
participate in a town meeting where citizens voted for their preferred choices and
narrowed the list to 30 ideas. The Selection Committee then narrowed the list to 10
high- impact ideas for greater Dubuque. Having commuter rail service between
Dubuque and Chicago is one of the top ten final ideas from the Envision 2010.
Because it is one of the top ten Envision ideas, a Passenger Rail committee has been
10
created to ensure this vision becomes a reality.
In 2006, the Envision 2010 Passenger Rail committee in Dubuque, IA, joined the
Blackhawk Area Rail Coalition (BARC) in their endeavor to re- establish passenger rail
service from Chicago, Illinois to the city of Dubuque. BARC is an Illinois coalition
focused on getting rail service between Chicago, Galena and East Dubuque and is
working as a citizen's committee under the leadership of the Midwest High Speed Rail
Association. With the Association's guidance and directive, BARC has captured the
attention of the Illinois legislature and Amtrak in a positive manner.
Current Status
Commuter rail service ended in the Dubuque area in 1981. The Envision 2010 Rail
Committee views returning passenger rail to Dubuque from Chicago as an alternate
form of transportation and a major influence on the continued economic and tourism
growth of the Dubuque and surrounding area. With the assistance from the State of
Illinois, a feasibility study conducted by Amtrak was recently updated with the study
focusing on the city of Dubuque as the final destination from Chicago. Amtrak has
expressed interest in Dubuque as a final destination point because of the riverfront
developments in the City. Dubuque would provide Amtrak a port of entry to Eastern and
central Iowa.
The Feasibility study outlines capital cost and infrastructure costs that include track,
station, platform and equipment for Amtrak service to Dubuque. The study also
provides ridership estimation, revenues and operating costs for the service.
The City of Dubuque, along with several other Iowa Communities, and the Iowa
Department of Transportation have established a working group to promote State
(IDOT) funding for Passenger rail service. The City has recently hired a consultant to
evaluate potential rail station sites in the Port of Dubuque and to prepare cost estimates
for the needed improvements.
In addition, the Governor of Illinois has targeted $60 million to improve the tracks from
Chicago to Dubuque. In December 2010, Illinois also announced the specific route for
the track improvements from Chicago to Dubuque.
Challenges
The City and Dubuque Metropolitan Transportation Study (DMATS) continue to support
the return of Amtrak to Dubuque from Chicago. However, funding challenges exist for
providing a station and platform for the train. Amtrak requires that the local community
commit to funding those costs. The consultant estimated the initial capital costs at
$900,000.
The return of Amtrak to Dubuque could partner well with another of the City of
Dubuque's priorities, the planned intermodal facility. Amtrak looks favorably on
intermodal facilities for train stations; however, as stated earlier, it is up to the local
community to commit to those costs.
11
We request the delegation's support in assisting with the return of Amtrak rail service to
Dubuque from Chicago by providing funding to assist with the infrastructure
improvements such as the train station.
Canadian Pacific Railway Company — Control — DM &E Railroad
On September 30, 2008, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) approved the
acquisition of the Dakota, Minnesota, and Eastern Railroad (DM &E) by the Canadian
Pacific Railway (CP). The requirement of conducting environmental impact studies and
providing any necessary mitigation prior to building in to the Wyoming Powder River
Basin (PRB) was passed from the DM &E to the CP.
Overpasses Required for City as a Result of Increased Rail Traffic
The City is concerned that if the CP decides to build into the PRB rail traffic will
increase exponentially. The existing at -grade railroad crossings will be blocked
more often and for longer periods of time, thus reducing public safety by
eliminating uninterrupted emergency response routes. The City's east - west
vehicular traffic corridors will be essentially crippled. As a result, the City
requests that the impacts be mitigated by mandating that the CP be required to
construct elevated structure overpasses at 16 Street, to provide access to the
Kerper Industrial Park, and at Charter Street, to provide access to the Port of
Dubuque developed area. Based on the findings of the mandated Environmental
Impact Study, other elevated structure overpasses may also be required within
the City.
Capacity Improvements - U.S. Highway 20
The U.S. Hwy 20 /Julien Dubuque Bridge spans the Mississippi River and provides one
eastbound and one westbound lane of traffic. On either side of the river, the highway
immediately expands to four or more lanes. The result is a bottleneck in traffic on both
sides of the bridge. This link is part of an east -west connection between Dubuque and
other communities. To the east: Galena, III.; Rockford, III.; and Chicago. To the west:
Waterloo, Iowa and the 1 -35 interchange. The U.S. Hwy 20 Project has been a very
high priority with the City Council and the Metropolitan Planning Organization, DMATS.
The City of Dubuque truly appreciates the $35 million federal commitment obtained by
Congressman Nussle in 1998, which has allowed the Mississippi River Bridge
component of this project to complete Environmental Assessment, Location Alignment,
Preliminary & Final Design and R.O.W Acquisition. Right -of -way acquisition is complete
on the Iowa side ($6.5 Million). Right -of -way acquisition is ongoing on the Illinois side
($5 Million Est.).
The Iowa Department of Transportation selected the firm of Parsons of Chicago, Illinois,
in conjunction with WHKS of Dubuque, to complete the preliminary and final design of
the bridge crossing, roadway approaches, and landscape improvements.
Realizing that the State of Illinois has no commitment with the next ten years to the
Mississippi River Bridge expansion part of this project, the Technical Corrections Bill
12
was passed which authorized $5.5 million in unused SAFETEA -LU grant funding for the
U.S. Hwy 20 /Julien Dubuque Bridge to be transferred of the Iowa Highway 32
(Southwest Arterial) project. The City extends its sincere appreciation for all the hard
work and support in getting the Technical Corrections Bill approved.
The Iowa Department of Transportation has informed the City that they anticipate there
will be a $20 million surplus in the SAFETEA -LU grant funding for the U.S. Hwy
20 /Julien Dubuque Bridge and as a result the City requests the support of our federal
partners in the transfer of unused SAFETEA -LU funding to the Southwest Arterial
project.
The City supports the 4- laning of Highway 20 to Chicago.
Dubuque Regional Airport
Our primary objective is to get a multiyear AIP funding Bill in place. The House and
Senate both need to take action to develop a bill that focuses on airports, air traffic
control services, and modernization in order for airports and the FAA to properly
implement their capital projects.
The Airport Commission and Dubuque City Council adopted a new Master Plan in 2005
which identified $74,644,846 in near and long term improvement needs. Our immediate
attention is focused on a new terminal facility. We estimate that $39,882,532 will be
required to design the facility, construct the building and the ancillary taxiways, roadway
access, and vehicle parking lots. We plan to utilize all available funds to finance this
project. The single largest source of project funding is AIP entitlement and discretionary
grants from the Federal Aviation Administration. If construction of this critical project is
delayed in 2011, the total project cost will increase by approximately $940,000.
With the expiration of VISION 100 at the end of fiscal year 2007, aviation programs
which set spending levels for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), Essential Air
Service, Small Community Development Grants, Facilities and Equipment, and other
programs that develop and maintain facilities at airports around the country are
attempting to function on continuing resolutions. Also expired is the funding mechanism
for the Airway and Airport Trust Fund, so reauthorization discussions must include
debate over funding mechanisms for the trust fund.
Vision 100, had provided the needed federal aviation funding for the years 2004 -2007
and had worked well for the Dubuque Regional Airport. We would like to see the
following components and modifications of that program remain in place:
The AIP program has played a significant role in maintaining and enhancing the safety
and growth of the air transportation system through funding a wide range of airside
projects at airports. The Dubuque Regional Airport supports full funding of the AIP
program at $3.8 billion, increasing each year by $100 million.
13
Other key issues under discussion will include the length of reauthorization, local match
requirements, the level of general fund contributions to cover FAA operations, and the
long- needed modernization of the national airspace system.
At a minimum, federal reauthorization of aviation programs should include:
1. A five year reauthorization period.
2. Full funding of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) starting at $3.8B annually with
$100M increases every year throughout the reauthorization period.
3. Maintaining primary entitlements within the AIP program at 95 %.
4. Maintaining the current fuel and ticket tax structure.
5. Full funding of the Small Community Air Service Grant program.
6. Fund the Contract Tower Program.
7. Authorize AIP funds to be used to develop revenue generating facilities at non -
hub airports.
8. Increase the Passenger Facility collection level to $7.50 and index it to inflation.
Contract Tower Funding:
Following the 1981 PATCO strike, the Reagan Administration implemented a gradual
privatization of Air Traffic Control Towers. This has been rather successful. The
Dubuque tower is operated by a private firm on contract with the Federal Aviation
Administration. Continued funding is always in question. Dubuque has the 3rd busiest
airport in Iowa. Safety and common sense dictates continued funding of the contract
tower program or restoration of FAA staffing. If the community had to fund the tower,
the costs are estimated in excess of $650,000 annually.
Passenger Facility Charges:
The current collection amount of $4.50 per enplaned passenger is not indexed to
inflation and restricts the amount of money collected for large capital projects.
Increasing the PFC to $7.50 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 offices, etc. would
significantly reduce the impact on smaller airports and their sponsors.
Air Service Development Program:
The Department of Transportation manages the Small Community Air Service
Development Program Grant. This grant helps small and non -hub airports with
monetary support of airline recruitment endeavors. The Department of Transportation'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. Eliminating that restriction would allow
communities to implement previously viable methods for recruiting new /expanded air
service.
We will continue to submit grant applications for funding of air service initiatives to our
community. In 2011, our focus is to stabilize our newly expanded air service with
increased marketing and local emphasis on our existing air carrier.
14
Terminal Facility:
The existing terminal building is significantly undersized to meet future passenger
demands. With the added requirements of security, the existing space is not large
enough to efficiently handle current peak passenger loads.
The Master Plan identified a new location for a modern Airline Terminal. This facility will
be centrally located between the two primary runways separate from general aviation
activities. Construction of infrastructure will include new parking Tots, entry roadways,
taxiways, aircraft parking apron, and a new passenger terminal. The land for this
expansion was acquired in 2009.
Upon completion of land acquisition, preliminary design services began in 2010. Based
on a total project cost of $39,882,532, approximately $35,399,425 of funding for this
critical project will come from the Federal Aviation Administration via Airport
Improvement Program (AIP) entitlement and discretionary grants.
-t �t
Ai
N i
2_.,i_
- - - - arks:;: - ....
Legend
1. lard/told/41m (103 acres)
2. Rwy. 31 Paie'Comectrg
Takao
3. TermielAmess Ray
4. AksaflApron
5. Termiul BrUiq (33503 SF)
6. Tern al Rookay
7. Auto Pakiq (450 spoon)
I;J
2. BEE BRANCH WATERSHED FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT
Purpose: To limit flooding in low /moderate income neighborhoods.
In 1999, an unusually intense spring storm deluged Dubuque with rainfall. The storm
produced in excess of four feet of stormwater in city streets and five feet of stormwater
in basements, and resulted in a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Dubuque County.
Flood damage devastated hundreds of homes in the City of Dubuque. At the time of the
flood, the City was in the process of developing a Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP).
On July 23, 2001, the DBMP was presented to City Council. It outlined the problem and
identified several improvements to address the flooding problem.
Dubuque's solution for solving the Bee Branch watershed stormwater problems consists
of three projects - two detention basins and a mile long open waterway. The City
completed the $1,100,000 Carter Road Detention Basin in 2003.and the $4,000,000 W.
32 Street Detention Basin in 2009. The third project in the Bee Branch Creek
Restoration Project involves the day lighting and restoration of over 4,500 feet of buried
creek. It will re- introduce
the confined Bee Branch
Creek to the North End
Neighborhood. Once it is
complete, 1,000 homes will
benefit from flood
protection that meets
today's design standards
for stormwater
management.
The City understands that
many citizens in Dubuque
and across the country
must deal with flooded
basements. And in some
cases, citizens must deal
with stormwater stretching
across the street from curb
to curb. But nowhere else
in our community does rain strand motorists in their cars — in the middle of the street.
Nowhere else does basement flooding reach the rafters, inundating furnaces, water
heaters, and electrical boxes. Nowhere else does basement flooding endanger the
lives of our fellow citizens. That is why the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is
one of the City Council's top priorities.
The project will be done in two phases. Construction of the first phase, the Lower Bee
Branch Creek Restoration Project began in the fall of 2010. At a cost of $10.8 million
construction is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 201. Construction of the second
phase, or Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration project is scheduled to start in the fall of
2011 at an estimated cost of $31.9 million. The City has established a storm water
utility, and therefore the local match is available for this project.
16
Shown below is the City's vision for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project.
17
t
1 t
p
Bike /Hike Trail System in the City of Dubuque, Iowa
18
The City of Dubuque is an active participant in long range planning for a comprehensive
bike /hike trail system that will provide multi -modal transportation for the Dubuque metro
area. The plan calls for a bike /hike network to encourage recreation and wellness,
provide safe routes to school, and promote alternative modes of transportation to help
reduce air pollution and roadway congestion. The intent is to develop safe, paved trails,
with a corresponding website and maps, plus restrooms, benches and bike racks.
Completion of the bike /hike trail system will add to the region's reputation as a tourist
destination for both the State of Iowa and the tri -state area.
The City's initial investment in the citywide bike /hike network has created a 10.5 -mile
on- street Heritage Trail Riverfront System through many of the community's targeted
neighborhoods and the central business district. These areas have a higher than
average concentration of racial and ethnic minorities, low and moderate income
households, rental units, single - parent households, and elderly persons than the city at
large.
The Dubuque County Heritage Trail and the City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail Extension
are part of the backbone system of the State Recreational Trail Plan. The City's
Heritage Trail system is part of the designated route for the Mississippi River Trail
(MRT) through Iowa. The MRT is a 2,000 -mile bike trail system being developed
through the river cities and river landscapes in the ten states along the Mississippi River
from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.
The City has a long- standing commitment to a citywide bike /hike network that is
accessible to all segments of the general population, including minorities, the elderly,
and persons with disabilities. All City bike /hike trail projects comply with ADA and
AASHTO guidelines for recreational trail facilities. All City bike /hike trails are open to
the public free of charge.
Since 1995, the City has has a successful funding partnership with the Iowa Department
of Transportation (IDOT) for the planning, design, engineering, and construction of on-
street and off -road bike /hike trails in Dubuque. The City also has successfully partnered
with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for land acquisition, design,
engineering, and construction of off -road trails.
Since 2005, the City of Dubuque has been an active participant in the Envision 2010
grass roots effort to create an integrated walking, biking, hiking trail system for the tri-
state area. In August 2008, the DMATS Policy Committee adopted the Tri -State Area
Integrated Walking, Biking, Hiking Network Plan. The Plan includes the urbanized
areas of Dubuque County. The City of East Dubuque and Jo Daviess County in Illinois
and Grant County in Wisconsin are served by DMATS. In May, 2009, the City of
Dubuque also adopted the Tri -State Trail Plan.
^PP.o,coee 0.9ber aeeTbs
N Memie
M T
ery Powr4rTrer
OehARm Owb ATN
Owbwer arynssTrai
A/EgePoll Verb node
NHrm Pond Tear
Mtsvpp Remv4ReClra
Neau 6m neeeevbal tau
/yuve..epAn of rws
/yPom, Cex w rd
A/R.nd O,OAw Rate
N9dwelshnw RqW
IYrbpeTril
Cry Awns
'Ants d /tow St*, Roc 4ea
Existing & Proposed
Dubuque Hike /Bike
System
Marshall Park S litijorm
a Arboretum
t
0 019 09
Sagevilk
Base data provided by Dubuque County GIS
hike bike trails1Dubuque Hike Tike System 04_16_07
Z 1 1-3
Mmes of Spain
State Rec Area
Port of Dubuque, Ice Harbor J
19
FEMA Accepts Dubuque Flood Map Revisions
On December 17, 2010, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin and Dubuque Mayor Roy D. Buol
applauded a decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to
accept flood maps revised by the City of Dubuque to determine which North End areas
lie within the 100 year flood plain. The new maps reflect more accurate information
about the flow of storm water and resolve conflicting data related to base flood
elevations. FEMA's decision to use the new maps will save nearly 1,600 Dubuque
households from being required to pay for flood insurance at the high risk rates.
In 2009, City of Dubuque staff found inaccuracies in the preliminary Digital Flood
Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) FEMA had prepared for Dubuque, particularly in areas
newly designated as Special Flood Hazard Areas. The City of Dubuque retained an
engineering consultant, CDM, to conduct a detailed analysis of the Bee Branch Creek
watershed as part of a technical appeal filed with FEMA.
FEMA said it will accept the City of Dubuque's data points, improving the accuracy of
the maps for future planning. The result is that only 200 private properties will be added
to Dubuque's North End flood plain rather than the approximately 1,800 properties that
would have been added under the initially proposed FEMA maps.
Homes with mortgages newly placed in the flood plain would be required to buy
insurance with a typical added annual cost of about $400 to $1,500 per home. The
maps will become effective September 1, 2011. For those newly designated as being in
the flood plain, purchasing flood insurance before the maps become effective will entitle
them to the current, lower rate for two years.
Accurately mapping the flood plain is important to existing businesses and homeowners
as well as those considering constructing new buildings in the flood plain. Development
costs are significantly higher in flood plains.
There is some good news for the remaining 200 North End properties that appear to be
in the new flood plain. The City of Dubuque is committed to completion of the Bee
Branch Creek Restoration Project by 2013. With this stormwater management project in
place, the City will ask FEMA to remove these properties from the flood plain.
20
�L KAUFMANN AVE
OLYMPIC HEIGHTS
/34 80 AO ski
,CORTEZ DR j )s ' 8510 , gT
as
BERKLEY P
BERNICEa FR6YA�
BLANCHER' � PADRE "'; DR
RIDGEWAY AVE
� t
P J0 5 � 9 z :..
OH O '( � r , 'a, .
O\PT X00 S o �
;
, ryyS0 51
m v�
ARRY ST
._ 4ANSEN ST
NAPIER Si: 21g �5 �� �;
LoNiEiL sr y ` �ia 9 �st S 1 �_6
- CLARKE DnR o N� �. i . +6*st
n
y e m m y m N ;n s t
I' wlri�crr �„ � ,. � � � . E ��N S S :�
8', O mgt N -, z -__ s , ." ;`
o 5 ' w
‘D� N- : G S'ot' Z
110 TA
.-� �S E9
ess GN jNS� JRSi Gt VP... 9 � C S t EatN 5 �j �Ns t
1 \� i �\`0 NAVi 0,6 6 S
E
ST ANNE DR
W
W
PENNSYMNUAyE
Legend
CDM Bee Branch Flood Plain - Detailed Engineering Analysis
1 FEMA Flood Zone A
3. HISTORIC MILLWORK DISTRICT
Dubuque's Historic Millwork District is a major community revitalization effort to create
an urban mixed -use neighborhood in a 17 -block area adjacent to downtown Dubuque.
The area has 28 historic buildings that were constructed prior to 1935 and were once
part of two major millworking businesses that made Dubuque the largest millworking
operation in the United States during the 1920's. Most of the millworking industry has
left the area leaving approximately one million square feet of underutilized space.
The revitalization of the Historic Millwork District has become a top priority for the
Dubuque City Council as it is being designed to address the issues of sustainability,
workforce and economic development, historic preservation, and arts and culture. The
revitalization of this District will also help the City address the critical shortage of rental
residential units. The following is a discussion of how the Historic Millwork District
revitalization will become a model to address these issues.
21
Sustainability_
A paradigm shift is occurring where the environment is becoming a more significant
consideration in community development. The City of Dubuque has adopted a
sustainability policy focusing on the three elements of Sustainability; Environmental and
Ecological Integrity, Economic Prosperity, and Social and Cultural Vibrancy. The City
believes that development in Dubuque should achieve all three elements to ensure that
the future of Dubuque is viable, livable, and equitable for all.
This project will be utilizing the existing built infrastructure (Le. the buildings and non -
obsolete utilities) as opposed to building new buildings on the outskirts of town or
tearing down these functionally obsolete buildings and dumping the materials in the
landfill. The Historic Millwork District buildings have great value in their embodied
energy, or the energy invested in the construction materials and that energy should be
conserved. These buildings have historical character, have years of useful life and
should be redeveloped to provide a place for Dubuque to grow without sprawling into
our agricultural resources. These buildings also have access to existing utilities and
public infrastructure decreasing the negative impact on the City's services.
Several components of the Historic Millwork District revitalization will positively address
environmental impact this area will have. The district is being designed to take
innovative resource management approaches to water including; green roofs,
permeable paving on city streets, rain gardens to encourage infiltration, and grey water
systems for the landscape watering and other non potable water uses (Le. toilets).
Workforce and Economic Development:
Iowa and particularly Dubuque, has experienced a "brain drain" of human talent leaving
the state. One major reason for this is the lack of an urban sense of place that young
professionals seek early in their lives. The Historic Millwork District will be an urban
lifestyle center where a person can live, work, and recreate all within a relatively close
proximity. This District will provide a great marketing tool to recruit and retain young
professionals.
Urban unique neighborhoods attract creative industries promoting economic
development and this is already being seen in the Historic Millwork District. A marketing
firm and several technology companies have committed to the area and more will do the
same when the infrastructure and environmental issues are addressed. The U.S.
economy will continue to be the location for these creative industries and it is important
to create an atmosphere where they can thrive and grow.
In January 2009, IBM announced the creation of 1,300 new I.T. jobs in downtown
Dubuque. This announcement has caused a significant demand for downtown living
options from new residents preferring to live near work and entertainment opportunities.
A recent economic study of housing in the City of Dubuque has shown unmet demand
for this housing type.
A key component to creating an urban neighborhood in small metro areas is to have
rental housing available at lease rates which can be achieved by residents that have
incomes near the area's median income level. The Historic Millwork District
22
rehabilitation requires significant expense and without financial assistance to keep lease
rates affordable, the average earner will not be able to live there and the developer will
have trouble filling the apartments.
Historic Preservation:
There are 28 buildings in the District. The core of the Historic Millwork District is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. The City and its partners believe it is
important to save these historic buildings that tell the development history of Dubuque.
As a part of the redevelopment, we intend to create a "living museum" in the district so
when people are walking and enjoying this unique, sustainable, and creative place, they
will also be exposed to the history of the area. This will be accomplished by utilizing
complete streets" concepts and installing information stations that tell the story of the
buildings; who owned these buildings, what they were used for, and how the products
that were created here were produced.
In February 2010, the HFWA announced a TIGER Grant to the City for $5.6 million to
fund complete streets and infrastructure on the Millwork District. The City approved a
contract with HFWA for this grant funding in November 2010. The final design for these
improvements has been completed and bids are due in January 2011 with a project
award anticipated in February.
Arts & Culture:
The Arts and Culture community has embraced this area and want to create an
environment where the arts are created and celebrated. Several art shows already
utilize the space and a non - profit art center has moved to the area providing
opportunities for disadvantaged children to be exposed to creating art. The arts play a
large role in creating an inviting atmosphere for residents and businesses to thrive.
In partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the major
building owners, the City, and other community organizations, a Master Plan for the
District was adopted in February 2009. It provides specifics to achieve above issues
within the District.
The revitalization effort is estimated to be a $200 million project broken into three
phases. The $200 million consists of improvements relating to the buildings,
infrastructure, and streetscape within the Historic Millwork District.
4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE TOOLS
Ongoing economic development initiatives in the City of Dubuque, specifically
restoration and adaptive reuse of the constellation of buildings in the Historic Millwork
District (warehouse district) and other downtown buildings including the Roshek
Building, benefit from federal financing programs. Two in particular merit support from
our Federal representatives.
23
New Markets Tax Credit Program
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 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 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.
National Historic Tax Credits
Historic Tax Credits at the state and federal level provide valuable financing tools for
expanded economic development in Dubuque. At the federal level of government we
support passage of the Community Restoration and Revitalization Act (H.R. 37151S,
1743). This legislation is a package of amendments which would further the ability of
Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits to enhance investment in main street neighborhoods
and older urban neighborhood reinvestment.
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. The Community Restoration and Revitalization Act would make beneficial
changes to the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit and provide a greater incentive for the
reuse of older and historic buildings.
All of these measures in the bill would bring needed improvements, but the following
measures are of particular interest to Dubuque.
• Raising the credit from 20% to 30% for projects with QREs under $5,000,000.
• Raising the credit from 20% to 23 or 24% for projects reducing energy costs by
30 %+ during the 5 -year compliance period.
Redefining "old" buildings as those more than 50 -years old vs. the current 1936
standard.
• Exempting the income from SHTCs from federal taxation.
• Striking 3 of the 4 disqualified lease rules (all except the "sale leaseback ") from the
program.
Although the rehab credit is currently the nation's largest federal incentive for promoting
sustainable development through private investment, a greater potential for revitalizing
communities could be realized with the proposed amendments.
24
Additionally, we support increasing federal tax credits from 20% to 40% for the first $5
million in expenditures for a project and to 26% for the remaining portion of a project.
Specifically for disaster related projects (several eligible buildings in Dubuque, and
many throughout the state of Iowa), we support extending the 26% Historic Tax Credit.
Buildings that have been impacted by flooding and other disasters have additional
expenses compared to other rehabilitation projects. The 6% boost in the credit provides
critical dollars to help restore our downtowns. Disaster recovery is a long -term process,
often taking decades; with the first three -year authorization scheduled to expire at the
end of this year, it is imperative that we protect and extend the 26% historic credit if we
want recovery to continue.
Smart Growth Workforce Housing Tax Credit
Smart Growth Workforce Housing is sustainable, transit - oriented housing that is
affordable for our workforce (earning 80% -120% area median income, or AMI). Our
community is in great need of this type of housing option, but it is not currently
financially feasible. Creating a federal Smart Growth Workforce Housing Tax Credit will
stabilize Dubuque's community, will prioritize environmentally - sustainable development,
and will promote economic development.
The use of the Low - Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program has become the
financial tool of choice for developers creating multi - family housing in all areas of the
United States. This program incents the development of housing for households
earning less than 60% AMI. It offsets the difference between development costs (which
are fairly constant in all areas) and attainable rent levels (which need to be affordable).
The LIHTC program, despite its benefits, is the proper tool only where more low- income
housing is needed. While striving to focus on sustainability and economic development,
communities and developers are now struggling to provide housing for our workforce
demographic. With the influx of professional employees to Dubuque this past year, our
need to provide housing for this demographic has suddenly and drastically increased
and is directly related to the retention of these jobs.
According to current income levels, Dubuque's workforce households can afford rents
between $650 and $950. But due to construction costs, newly - produced units in our
community are charging $900 to $1,500. This places a significant cost burden on our
working households. It also puts developers at risk; as supply and demand for housing
balances out in the coming years, there is no guarantee that they will be able to
continue to command these higher rent levels.
The solution is to create an incentive program that allows developers to provide quality
housing at prices that our workforce can afford.
A Smart Growth Workforce Housing Tax Credit program could closely mirror much of
the LIHTC program's structure, with credits being organized through State housing
finance agencies and having income and rent restrictions during the compliance period.
However, the credit would include modifications to ensure the housing follows smart
25
growth principles, fulfills a community's housing need, and is available to workforce
households.
Dubuque supports the creation of such a program and looks forward to working with our
elected officials and their staff to craft this solution.
5. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY INITIATIVE - SUSTAINABILITY AND
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The City of Dubuque identified Sustainable City designation as one of its top priorities in
2006. Since then, multiple strategies and practices have been implemented to make
Dubuque a more sustainable community. The City is a member of Climate
Communities and ICLEI — Local Governments for Sustainability, and joins all of its
members in supporting local government action on climate change 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 of the Climate Action Blueprint.
Enact an economic recovery policy that creates green jobs by:
Enact a national climate policy that:
• Invests the proceeds from carbon trading into local government actions that reduce
emissions through green buildings; transit, smart growth complete streets and other
VMT reduction strategies; green local fleets and fuels; renewable energy; including
anaerobic digestion green infrastructure; and reuse, recycling and composting
green jobs and businesses.
Implement clean energy policies that:
• Reduce building energy use by 30 percent by 2025 by establishing national building
efficiency targets and providing annual funding to help local governments meet or
exceed the national targets; and
• Produce 25 percent of the nation's power from renewable energy by 2025 through
renewable portfolio standards, and measures to overcome interconnection and rate
barriers to community -scale renewables.
Invest in local climate capacity through annual federal appropriations that:
• Fully fund the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants at $2 billion annually;
• Provide $250 million annually for EPA Local Climate Demonstration Grants;
• Provide $400 million annually for the DOE Clean Cities program to support low
emission vehicles and cleaner fuels including alternative fuels infrastructure and plug -
in hybrid vehicles; and
• Provide $100 million annually for the Forest Service's Urban and Community
Forestry program.
Transform the nation's transportation strategy by:
• Substantially increasing federal resources for public transit;
• Supporting local initiatives to reduce vehicle- dependence and use including resources
for smart growth and transit - oriented development, VMT reduction planning and
26
implementation, walkability programs, bikeways and greenways, infill and brownfields
revitalization, and reuse of historic and existing buildings; and
• Funding low- emission busses, clean local fleets, and local alternative fuels
infrastructure.
Create American green jobs and green businesses by:
• Creating a $500 million "Climate Prosperity" demonstration grant program that directs
Economic Development Administration, HUD, Small Business Administration, and
USDA Rural Development funding to support local economic development strategies
that produce green businesses and green jobs; especially by converting currently
wasted materials being land filled to beneficial use through recycling composting and
anaerobic digestion.
• Fully funding the Green Jobs Act of 2007 at $125 million annually to support worker
training in emerging manufacturing and hi -tech sectors; and
• Creating an "Energy Conservation Corps" service program to empower young
Americans to be part of new clean energy solutions.
Build self - reliant communities that are prepared for climate impacts by:
• Creating a federal interagency task force on Climate Resiliency and Community
Preparedness to produce a federal action plan for (a) national research and
development; (b) local technical assistance; and (c) new protocols for
intergovernmental collaboration at local, state, regional and federal levels;
• Expanding the FEMA Pre - Disaster Mitigation program to $500 million annually to
support local government initiatives to address climate impacts;
• Expanding NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Act and climate programs to directly
support local climate adaptation planning and implementation; and
• Fostering and funding local efforts to support families and populations most vulnerable
to climate impacts. Including infrastructure improvements for local food production
processing and marketing
HUD Energy Action Plan
The City of Dubuque Housing & Community Development Department Energy Program
can help stretch the value of HUD and other funds by encouraging energy efficiency
during renovation projects. Ensuring energy efficiency will maximize the value of
CDBG, HOME, HOPE, and other HUD funds. This is especially important to the
Dubuque community as there is a higher percentage of older, energy- inefficient housing
stock.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with the Department of Energy
(DOE) in this Partnership to expand efforts to promote ENERGY STAR products and
appliances. ENERGY STAR is a government- backed program that helps businesses
and individuals identify energy efficient products, appliances, and homes to protect the
environment and save energy. As a key part of this initiative, HUD, DOE, and EPA are
teaming up to grow Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, a whole house retrofit
program to provides technical assistance to local programs that promote wise home
energy use; in turn reducing the community's energy intensity and decrease
greenhouse gas emissions.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) developed the HUD
Department -Wide Energy Action Plan, which was approved in April 2002. The HUD
27
Energy Action Plan implementation is aimed at reducing HUD's $4 billion "energy bill"
by promoting energy efficiency in approximately five million units assisted, insured, or
financed by HUD. The Energy Action Plan includes 21 measures aimed at upgrading
the energy efficiency of existing and new housing, using an established inventory of
proven energy- efficient products and appliances that can be put to work immediately
through existing programs.
6. YOUTHBUILD
An important component of Dubuque's sustainability initiative emphasizes restoring
people. The well - established HEART program helps us to meet this goal, and is a vital
component of our workforce development initiatives and dedication to youth identified
through the community's Every Child, Every Promise initiative. HEART is changing the
lives of our community's youth by providing vocational construction training and
education through the complete rehabilitation of blighted properties in Dubuque. The
program teaches self - reliance and instills a strong sense of accomplishment, and
provides support for a segment of our population that would otherwise slip through the
cracks.
The City and its partners have applied for a Department of Labor grant in order to
expand HEART to become a YouthBuild program. This expansion would allow us to
serve a larger number of at -risk youth and greatly expand the number of services
offered to participants. The growth would also allow the program to revitalize more of
Dubuque's historic homes and fill a gap in affordable home ownership needs for
families. We appreciate the federal staff's support of the HEART program to date and
request your support of the YouthBuild application.
7. HOME DESIGNATION
Dubuque is the largest city in Iowa that is not a Participating Jurisdiction (PJ) for the
HOME program. In order to receive PJ status, Dubuque has to meet a $500,000
Congressional appropriations threshold. According to the HOME Program allocation
formula, Dubuque would have received $257,551 in 2008 as a PJ, leaving it $242,449
short of the $500,000. The City is requesting a one -time Congressional appropriation of
$242,449, to meet the $500,000 threshold.
After this and an IDED one -time appropriation, Dubuque would receive an annual
$250,000+ HOME grant, justifying the one -time additional public investment. The
HOME funds would essentially restore the shortfall created by a reduction in CDBG
funding, and allow us to deliver needed services and resources to our community and
economic development programs.
28
8. 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.
Our public safety officials need E -911, Communications Assistance for Law
Enforcement Act (CALEA) capabilities, and spectrum for wireless communications to
protect the public. Consumers deserve a broadband marketplace that includes
competition for both price and service quality. Neither economic status nor location
should be a barrier for citizens to broadband networks. Local businesses require
access to networks in order to compete and local governments require the ability to
manage our resources and tax base in order to best serve our constituents.
• Preserve local authority to manage public rights of way for the benefit 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 government's first responders need fully deployed E911, access to
spectrum and funding for interoperable communications to protect the public.
• 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.
Request of Congress
• Do not nationalize cable and video franchising.
• Protect local governments' ability to facilitate or offer advanced communications
services to their citizens
29
• Any changes to the collection and administration of communications taxes,
including extensions or modifications 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 I -Nets. Specifically
support Community Access Preservation (CAP) Act of 2009 (HR3745) 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 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.
• 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.
• 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
30
and conditions. Federal policy should promote the rights of local governments that
choose to offer those services directly to their citizens.
• 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
I would recommend that the City of Dubuque support the following:
CAP Act of 2009 (H.R. 3745). The CAP (Community Access Preservation) Act of 2009
introduced by Wisconsin Rep Tammy Baldwin recognizes the important role that Public,
Educational, and Governmental (PEG) access channels play in local communities and
addresses some of the concerns facing these channels.
Legislation that establishes national standards for interoperable public safety standards
for first responders.
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 1984 Cable Act.
I would recommend that the City of Dubuque oppose a wireless tax moratorium.
In local democracy. 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.
31
• 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 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.
Before Congress acts, it should consider:
• 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% 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 defined 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
32
relatively few franchises to implement their announced business plans (for AT &T
1,500 -2,000 franchises, for Verizon 100 -200 franchises).
9. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING
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 seven years, federal CDBG funding has been cut by 18.8 %, or $279,573.
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.
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 three decades. By continuing to level -fund the
formula portion of the program — at $3.71 billion over the past three years — the impact
and purchasing power of CDBG continues to shrink because of increasing inflation.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Community Development Association
are calling for a doubling of CDBG funding, to $8 billion, over the next several years.
The City of Dubuque requests that our congressional members support the CDBG
program during the FY09 budget and appropriation process, seeking support of $4.1
billion in formula funding in FY09.
10. INDIAN GAMING REGULATIONS
The City is concerned about the uncontrolled growth of Indian Casinos on off premises
(reservation) lands. There are several pieces of legislation which would place controls
on this growth, including HR 4893 (The Right Act) and S.2078 (Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act Amendments of 2006). The City supports legislation that places
safeguards on the growth of Indian casinos. Specifically, the City encourages
legislation to:
• 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.
33
• 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.
11. CRESCENT COMMUNTY HEALTH CENTER
Crescent Community Health Center, similar to other businesses in the community, is
being hit hard by the recession. We continue to see a great number of new uninsured
patients. The "average" CHC payer mix has had 30 -38% uninsured patients. Crescent is
on track this year to see almost 50% uninsured patients.
The FY 2010 HRSA grant, approximately $680,000, covers about 25% of Crescent's
$ 2.7M budget, creating a 25% shortfall that is not being made up by Medicaid,
Medicare, private insurance or self -pay patients. This has forced staff cuts to control
costs, but also extends the time in which patients are seen by a medical provider.
• A "funding formula" in which a larger part of the federal funding takes into
account the number or increases in the number of uninsured patients should be
created.
The largest number of patients with repeated no -show appointments is Medicaid
patients. Crescent staff work hard to eliminate barriers to making appointments, such
as transportation and reminder calls. Bus tickets and taxi vouchers are available if
patients live outside of walking distance from the clinic. Social workers assist patients if
there are other barriers to care. But, the no -show rate continues between 17 and 40%
on any given day.
• Patients eligible for Medicaid should be charged if they fail to make their
appointments or create a disincentive for missing appointments.
Medicaid patients should also be able to be redirected from emergency rooms to a local
CHC for non - emergency reasons, e.g. sore throats, colds, etc. A 2007 study by the
National Center for Health Statistics, a division of the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention, states that "Persons with Medicaid coverage were more likely to have had
multiple visits to the ED in a 12 month period than those with private insurance and the
uninsured.. Emergency rooms are obligated to at least see and stabilize the patient.
Poverty, education levels and race all play a role in overutilization of emergency
departments and no -show rates at health center.
A concerted effort backed by funding and disincentives needs to be implemented in
order to educate patients about wellness and prevention efforts.
34
A second significant concern is the lack of Family Physicians to fill a vacancy at the
Center. Private firms and the Iowa Primary Care Association have been seeking a full -
time medical provider since early November. Provider coverage will continue to be an
issue into the future due to the high number of medical students choosing specialty
occupations and leaving the State of Iowa for other areas of the nation. Having
enhanced funding for the National Health Service Corps will help, but, the candidates
need to be available. The Center will be assuming the primary care of many patients
from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics early in 2011. We need additional
providers to assume their care.
1 U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. NCHS Data Brief, No. 38, May 2010
12. AMERICA'S RIVER AT THE PORT OF DUBUQUE
RIM
Cat Of NIU I C
MA/ NI
35
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium: Mississippi Plaza and Research
Center
In June of 2010, the Dubuque County Historical Society opened the National River
Center, the Museum's first component of America's River Phase 11. The second
component of this project is the Mississippi Plaza and the Research Center.
The Museum & Aquarium is the leading tourism attraction in Dubuque and the
surrounding area and it has a significant effect on the economy of the region. Not only
does it draw over 200,000 people a year, but it is often used by economic development
officials to show quality of life to prospective companies who want to ensure that they
can attract and retain employees in Dubuque.
The Museum's new National Rivers Center created 45 jobs during the construction
phase and continues to create jobs annually, both on site and in the community. It will
continue to draw investment to Dubuque and the Port of Dubuque and will enhance
Iowa's role as having the leading educational institution in the nation to learn about the
Mississippi River and the rivers of America. This expansion of the award - winning
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium doubled the size and impact of the
current Museum and enhance even further Iowa's role as a national and international
leader in environmental education.
The two major components of Museum & Aquarium campus will be connected by the
Mississippi Plaza, which will be developed as part of the second component of
America's River Phase 11. This Plaza, recipient of a $1.23 million Vision Iowa RECAT
grant, will connect the two main buildings of the Museum: the National River Center and
the Mississippi River Center. This connection is a critical need and will provide a safe
and controlled area for families with children, as well as easy wayfinding for hundreds of
thousands of visitors.
The proposed Research Center will conserve several important species and will explore
the Mississippi River's relationship to the Gulf of Mexico with nationally important issues
such as water quality and species biodiversity. Research issues include hypoxia and
the dead zone, flood control, and captive breeding and propagation of endangered
species. This center could be supported through funding from USDA and EPA.
A. Mississippi Plaza
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is creating a new attraction, the
Mississippi Plaza at the Port of Dubuque, with significant investment of Vision Iowa
funds. The City of Dubuque is creating overnight visiting boat docks at the Port of
Dubuque as match. These two powerful and adjacent components will have significant
impact on Dubuque and the state of Iowa. Connecting the two ends of the museum
campus, the Mississippi Plaza will create a dynamic attraction in this space measuring
450 feet long and 150 feet wide.
The Mississippi Plaza will be a space for families and children to learn and play along
the banks of Ice Harbor and the Mississippi River. It will be a dynamic eco -park and
instill a greater appreciation of the river and the working harbor. The Port of Dubuque is
36
a former brown field site that is now a focal point for the river in Dubuque. The
Mississippi Plaza will provide one of the most dynamic and interactive spaces along the
river walk. The Plaza will be one of the first things that visitors see when they arrive at
the Port of Dubuque from the 3rd Street overpass. The flash of color, the people
gathered, the water elements, and the native plantings will encourage visitation and
provide an area for families to relax, to have fun, to learn, and to reconnect with the
Mississippi River.
The overnight large boat marina will be first -class boat dock for visiting overnight
boaters with minimum number of slips for 56 boats, electrical and water hook ups, and a
concierge like information center for serving the travel needs of the boaters. It will be a
showcase project that will instill a major element of activities at the Port of Dubuque and
will leverage the substantial public infrastructure that currently exists on the Port of
Dubuque and will help the economic and community development of the region.
Elements of the Plaza include:
® Space for festivals and Museum - sponsored public events, art on the river, snow
sculptures, festivals, classic boat shows, and other gatherings.
® A covered connector between the Mississippi River Center and the National River
Center to protect visitors from the elements.
® Continuation of the river walk along the north edge of the Mississippi Plaza and
large double gates for public admission to the Mississippi Plaza for public days.
® Retention of the fence along the water's edge to protect Museum visitors and keep
small children from wandering onto the public boat docks.
® An outdoor Dining Terrace with shade sails over the seating area with evening
music /movies on the terrace and access for the general public, and visiting boaters as
well as museum visitors.
® A large Living Fish Stream fed by geothermal discharge with aquarium - quality fish
for feeding and a `Huck Finn' raft ride for children.
® An Events Pavilion for demonstrations, special events.
® A Children's Interactive fountain area with eco- fountains that teach about water
conservation, as well as a walk through sculptural catfish..
® A Reflections Butterfly Garden for quiet time and to honor those who have lost their
lives on the river or dedicated their lives to the river.
® A demonstration of a pervious paving system to reduce water runoff and
demonstrate sustainable practices.
® Trees with natural native plantings.
® Educational exhibits.
The Plaza will enclose the museum campus and its eco -park will provide the opportunity
for visitors to remain in the Museum zone as they go between the two major elements of
the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, the Mississippi River Center
(opened in 2003) and the National Rivers Center (opened in 2010).
B. National River Research and Conservation Center
With appropriate finding, the Museum & Aquarium will staff a major research center for
rivers. This will be a research center that addresses the need to reduce nutrient
37
loading, understand sediment flow, increase understanding of habitat preservation, and
address other nationally significant issues. The new Research Center will collaborate
with federal and state agencies, Iowa State University, University of Iowa and other
land -grant universities, and local and national academic institutions. The Museum will
also continue to work with threatened and endangered species such as mussels, mud
puppies, salamanders, frogs and other species, which will be conserved to increase
their populations. What separates this from many other institutions is that exhibits will
be created to let the public know the research that is underway at the Museum and at
related sites. Language authorizing the establishment of the research center at
Dubuque is included in the Water Resource and Development Act, which was passed
by Congress in 2007 allowing for the appropriation of funding.
C. Current Status:
The total budget for the Americas' River Phase 11 Museum expansion is $70.4 million.
We have secured $66.4 million to date and have $4 million yet to raise.
City funding : Over $29.5 million was committed by the City of Dubuque for parking
and infrastructure.
County funding is $500,000
State funding is $9.9 million, which includes two Vision Iowa awards which require
matching funding.
Federal funding to date is $7.5 million
Private fund raising has secured $19 million.
D. Timeframe
The Vision Iowa RECAT contract calls for the Museum & Aquarium to open the
Mississippi River Plaza in December, 2012. Federal funding I in calendar year 2011
would enable the Museum & Aquarium to meet the Vision Iowa deadline. Additional
federal funding of $3 million in future years would enable the Museum & Aquarium to
develop the Research, Outreach and Conservation Center to its full national potential.
38