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Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Annual Report August 2011Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Explore Iowa's Great River Road September 15, 2011 Mayor Roy Buol Dubuque City Council Manager Mike VanMilligen City Hall Dubuque IA 52001 Dear Mayor Buol, Council Members and Mike — n CyZ m —3 c n rn 0 57- rn c`f 3, c CO cs! On behalf of the membership of the Iowa MRPC I am pleased to enclose our annual report for the past 12 months. The report details the many activities and accomplishments of the organization in fulfilling its objective to preserve and promote the Great River Road in Iowa. The most significant of these is our receiving a National Scenic Byway Grant for the reconstruction of the Iowa Great River Road Corridor Management Plan. Over the next 24 months we will engage in a comprehensive process to update our CMP in order to provide Iowa stakeholders the best possible document available when, among other things, applying for Federal Scenic Byway Grants. The economic impact of these grants and their benefit to Iowa communities over the past 15 years has been immense. Thank you and your staff for your continued support of the Iowa MRPC. Feel free to contact me with any question, comment or input. Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2010/2011 Annual Report August 2011 � AMERICA'S BYWAYS IOWA MISSISSIPPI RIVER PARKWAY COMMISSION 2010/2011 ANNUAL REPORT AUGUST 2011 John Goodmann Chair IOWA MISSISIPPI RIVER PARKWAY COMMISSION Page 3 of 32 Page 4 of 32 Table of Contents SECTION 1: Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2010/2011 Annual Report SECTION 2: Iowa MRPC Commission & Technical Members SECTION 3: Minutes of Meetings SECTION 4: Iowa MRPC Newsletter "Along The Byways" Page 5 of 32 Page 6 of 32 MISSION STATEMENT The Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission (IAMRPC) was organized to: • Preserve, promote and enhance the scenic, historic, natural, archaeological, cultural and recreation resources of the National Scenic Byway (NSB) /Iowa Great River Road (GRR) and the Iowa Mississippi River Valley. • Foster economic growth of the Mississippi River corridor. • Develop the National Scenic Byway /Great River Road. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES • Assist in coordinating the increase of investment and awareness of the National Scenic Byway /Iowa Great River Road and its amenities with roadside parks, scenic overlooks, educational experiences and opportunities and historic information. • Increase the awareness for stakeholders of funding through transportation enhancement funds. • Develop communication opportunities to tell the stories of the National Scenic Byway /Great River Road. • Arrange community involvement meetings and workshops. • Advocate for the Great River Road development studies. • Advocate for transportation related projects that incorporate the principles of context sensitive design. • Advocate for the use of sustainable design principles such as L.E.E.D. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.) A major factor in achieving these goals and objectives is partnering with area and national groups and associations that have similar goals and interests. By networking with other organizations, we can best utilize all our assets, including financial, contacts, and personnel. Page 7 of 32 IOWA MRPC COMMISSION MEETINGS The Iowa MRPC Commission has met two times this year. The meetings were held in Bettendorf, Iowa based on its central location along the river. Minutes of the October 8, 2010 meeting in Bettendorf and the March 24, 2011 and the July 11, 2011 meetings are attached. At the commission meetings, commissioners and technical members share information from the counties they represent and organization activities that relate to and may impact the Iowa Great River Road. Iowa MRPC project work plans, initiatives and partnership initiatives are discussed and appropriate action taken. IOWA MRPC STRUCTURE The Iowa Commission consists of ten commissioners appointed by the Governor of Iowa representing the ten counties that border the Mississippi River. The commission by Iowa statue is gender and politically balanced. In addition, there are five technical members representing: Iowa Department of Transportation, Department of Economic Development, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Office of Tourism, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Two of the Iowa MRPC Technical Committee Members, Cali Beals of Iowa Department of Economic Development and Nancy Landess of the Iowa Office of Tourism announced their retirement from their respective positions in 2009. We are awaiting the announcement of their replacements this year. An updated Iowa MRPC commission list is attached. IOWA MRPC BUDGET The FY2010 budget for the Iowa MRPC was approved by the Iowa DOT for $40,000. (see highlights). The budget includes 2011 National MRPC dues, National Scenic Byway Grants matching funds, MRPC conferences and Iowa Commission meetings and travel expenses, office expenses, mailings, and telephone long distance expenses. Page 8 of 32 Iowa MRPC Annual Budget Expense Report SF Expense Tracking for State Fiscal Year 2011 (July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011) Budget Line Item # 1- Budget Line Item # 2- Budget Line Item # 3- Budget Line Item # 4- Budget Line Item # 5- Budget Line Item # 8- Budget Line Item At 7- Budget Line Item # &- Budget Line Item # 9- Budget Line Item # 10- Budget Line Item # 11 MRPC National Dues LaCrosse Meeting - Semi - Annual National Meeting - Newsletters Travel and Meals for quarterly MRPC greetings Administrative Eastern Iowa Tourism Dues Corridor Management Plan Preparation Iowa Brochures Stakeholder Meetings 2011 MRPC Pins Iowa DOT Annual Budget Amount $ $15,000.00 $4,865.00 $0.00 $1,200.00 $1,000.00 $500.00 $135.00 $15,300.00 $2,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 Total $40,000.00 IOWA ACTIVITIES AND WORK PLAN Iowa MRPC Website Development The Iowa MRP website continues to evolve. www.iowagreatriverroad.com The host, Dubuque365.com continues to add content to the site. Features of the website include: For the Traveler: • A history of the MRPC, biographies of members and mission statement. • A history of the river, towns, and counties with appropriate photography. • Fantastic photography and panoramic photos of the Mississippi River. • Schedule of events that can be sorted by date, location, type, etc. • Mapping ability and ability to zoom in on maps and select location links. • An itinerary or trip planner that prints an agenda — by city, type of event, etc. • Ability to feature links with maps and icons and print a route with mileage. For the Iowa Stakeholder: • Easy to use and update with 100% immunity to viruses. • Unlimited addition and editing of pictures and text. • Fully managed, Tier -1, secure fiber -optic website and email hosting facilities. • Ability to support advertising or sponsors for maintaining the site. NSB Grants submitted by Iowa Stakeholders The Iowa MRPC reviewed several NSB grants submitted for the Iowa Great River Road funding and sent recommendations for funding to the Iowa DOT. Iowa MRPC Corridor Management Plan The Iowa MRPC board decided to make a new Corridor Management Plan a major priority for 2010- 2011. The CMP is vital to Great River Road stakeholders in preparation of Scenic Byway Grant applications and an updated plan was identified as a major tool in allowing our partners to remain competitive in this process. The Iowa MRPC allocated a portion of the 2010 budget to hire Dahlquist and Associates, Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa to prepare our own Scenic Byway Grant application to facilitate this updated plan. David Dahlquist of Dahlquist and Associates presented this plan at the MRPC meeting on March 26, 2010 and it was adopted by the board for an NSB Grant Application. Page 10 of 32 Corridor Management Plan Grant — The NSB Grant announcements in 2010 included that for the Iowa MRPC in the amount of $260,000 to completely overhaul and update the Great River Road Corridor Management Plan in Iowa. The project will take place over the next 2 years and will be comprehensive in its scope of update and will solicit the input of all communities and stakeholders along and in the Great River Road corridor. Dahlquist and Associates of Des Moines, Iowa was hired after a competitive bidding process, to oversee and coordinate this CMP development. This is a pivotal step forward for the Iowa MRPC as the Corridor Management Plan is vital to Iowa GRR stakeholders and is the core of any National Scenic Byway Grant application in the coming years. Great River Road Interpretive Centers The Grist Mill at Wildcat State Park in Muscatine County has applied successfully to the National MRPC to be recognized as an MRPC Interpretive Center. This site has been added to the National MRPC Interpretive Center list as an attraction. The Iowa MRPC has been informed that the Mississippi Valley Welcome Center in LeClaire, Iowa will be closing at the end of 2011. 501 (c) 4 Status The Internal Revenue Service has approved the Iowa MRPC as a 501 (c) 4 organization. This status was allowed for the further development of the Iowa Website. Explore our Great River Map The Iowa MRPC approved and developed a new byway map which is included in this report. The 8 `/2" by 14" map has been distributed to our welcome centers, interpretive centers and others along the byway. The map was developed in a tear -off format for the convenience of travelers and users. The new format was inexpensive and allows for easy updating in the years ahead. Page 11 of 32 explore irowa:s-- great river road INTERPRETIVC CEHTERS ) Effigy Mounds National Monument 151 Highway 76,H2rpers Ferry /P(50)873-3491 The Monument is located 0 imrtheast Iowa, along the 'Great Riser Road'. It 5 along HWY 76,4 miles north of Marquette and McGregor 0 Iowa DNR Guttenberg Fish Hatchery & Aquarium 317 North Rives Park Drho, Guttenberg / T: (563) 252. 1156 Near Lock and Dare 10, VISI1015 virw a wide variety of fish and aquatic wildtle. The aquarium is on the National Register of Histotic Places. O National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium 350 East.Thini Street, Dubuque 1 T: (563) 557.9545 Large freshwater aquariums. five animal exhibits, hailds-on historical exhibits,working boatyard. wetland, National Rivers Hall of Fame, and the Wm MB/ack Boat & Breakfast &qtno todd'ers to grandparents. 0 Mines of Spain / E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center 8991 Bdlevue Heights. Dubuque /T;(5631 556.0620 The ME5kwaki b.:15ns we some of the earliest inhabitants of this 1387 aca-e park. French-Canadim fur trad9-td5en Dubuque mined and traded lead here from 1788 to 1810. O Hurstville 18670 63rd St. Maquoketa / (563) 652-3783 The Fka-soillc Ince-pre-the Center is located on an 18 acre wetland and is designed for mai4a4e us.c,,velth an emplusii w, ertiectunental education and natural resource protection. O Mississippi Valley Wekome Center 900 Eagle Ridge Road. LeClaire / T: (800) 747.78000120 TI VG Center sits ligh on a Muff overlaaking the scenic Mistissippi Riser Valley, featuring Nstotical disti4ays,p:cric shelters and information on sights and activities throughout the state of Iowa. O Buffalo Bill Museum 19914 Front Si. LeClabe /T: (563) 289-5580 The Buffalo 510 Motet,' totems. preserv..Intcrpret3 and exhibas artrlarts depicting the heritage of 80 regiw n. pa rti-tub,ly 66e alutg the Masistippi River and its early pioneers lilce Buffalo 811 Whom 0.Codf). O Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science 1717W 17th St., Davenport / T: (563) 324.1933 Enycr/ the Black Earthlbg River rause experience, the a-o/ard-winn;ng River, Prairie and Peor.4e Iiistrity Hall,reaa,en Of the Asw!Egypcian G3.,kry, unique showing and an IMAX theater. Nahant Marsh Education Center 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport / T: (563) 323-5196 This 513-arre urban wetland forme-1y a Superfund Cleanup site, is now home to wi!thife and a restored prairie Hiking trails and boardwalks with irvarpreuve signage are open to the pi nic year-round O Muscatine History and Industry Center I 17 Wr.4t 2nd Street, Muscatine /T: (563) 263-1052 Once:mown as the"Pearl Button -C.11:401 Id," Muscatine mast produced biuont Irtam frr41-hvatc9 mussei shels. En/ore the intr-rarme e4h.b.tion of artifices from the pearl Lumen industry, purchase tin que Waal ets, anti view the Ka-ovations of modern "Made in Muscatine' industries O Pine Creek Grist Mill 1884Wedcat on Road, Muscatine IT (563) 263-4337 Pam Crests Grist 1,141 ,..as twat in 1848 by titisranne County's first SCCI10, and was closed in the 19298.8 hss beim restored to dernonstmtmn condaion and seems to be the °Mess working vast mai between the Mississippi Naar and the Rocky Mounnsins, • Toolesboro Indian Mounds & Museum 656,8 Toolesboro Rd.Wapetto FT: (319) 523 -8381 The Hopewellon mounds at Toofesboon are among the best prsamsad and accassfblit remnants elan AlICiC111, culture that flourished burn 200 B.C. to 400AD. „ . ...... ...„ () Old Fort Madison 716 Riverview Drive, Kort Madison /T1(319)372-6318 Thr furs is an a0011741t,c reconsts action of the fwst nlibury ganison on the Upper hii5S,Slf,p7 and butsom home to the Iss U.S.I.dantry from i000-1813. George M.Verity Riverboat Museum 415 Mondani', Krokuk /T: (319) 524 5599 Ts, WI try was tits first of tour sinsroshins butt M1927 kit the mamst or erv, J057,,0e000" r.o Th, Mrsattptif Orizfriallf nnnrn 0,05 lino ;.e inn, tim 11, tit:sacs, and atria.. 1.. - qt^ clt .00 s. Rosliapimt rfatitifilsistiirar cultural derS417fr.i _ ecwwr 'AMin r, iocSi r99,4 two tyres of fadities can. arid cin ser. bo,th funtalons. pimftiad th, krrn DOT 16 Osborne Nature Center, Iowa Welcome Center 1-1-ey 13, 5 n, I south of Elkader T:(563) 2154516 Guttenberg Development & Tourism Welcome Center 323 5. River Park Drive, Guttenberg T:(563) 252.2323 Iowa Welcome Center 300 Main 5t, Suite 100, Dubuque T(800)798.8844 Jackson County Welcome Center 60488 Highway 64. Sabina T: (563) 687-2237 Mississippi Valley Welcome Center He 67 & Interstate 80. 900 Eagle Ridge Road, ieClaire T: (800) 747.7800 ext 120 Mississippi River Visitors Center Arsenal Island, Davenport T:(308) 794•5338 Port of Burlington Welcome Center 400 Front Street, Burhngon T:(319) 752-8731 C ir.4 V(: ' s W. Vf!it.TOVi:', BUREAUS Dubuque CVB 300 Main St, Suite 200! Dubuque, IA 52001 7:(800)798.4718 Clinton Area CVB 721 S 2nd St, Cl'aemn, IA 52732 T: (563) 242.5702 Quad Cities CVB 102 5. Harrison St ! Davenport IA 52801 T: (800) 747.7800 Muscatine CVB 102 Walnut k.! Muscatine IA 52761 T: (800) 257.3275 Burlington CVB RrverPark Race, 610 N. 4th St., Suite 200 Burlington. IA 52601 /T:(319)752 -6365 Fort Madison CVB 614 9th St,/ Fon Madison IA 52627 7:(319)372 5471 Keokuk Area CVB 401 Main St,SWtc 1 / Kecdek1A 52632 T: (1300) 383.1219 11,1 t:')14,) =[ti=er (n''e National Mississippi River Parkway Commission P.O. BOA 59159, fdinneapobs, MN 55459 -8207 763 - 212.2560 1 misslssipplrivertnfo.com e -mail: infu@nossissippir.verxom Iowa Tourism Office Iowa Department of Economic Development 200 ran Grand Avenue, Des Moines, M 50309 7;(800)345 -IOWA 1 traveltowa.com Eastern Iowa Tourism Association P.O. Box 189, Dgcrwille, IA 52040 T: (800)891-34821 easterniowatourism.org e -mail: ciu @castcrninwamurisntorg Iowa impartment of Transportation Office of Systems Manning YU Box 1088, Dubuque, IA 5/001.1088 Iowa MRPC uperlencemisslsslpplmer .com/iowa -dm America's Byways byways.org Iowa Mississippi Mee' Ms, kw,ty d,u4:,,,,issimt 1 Pc ALLAMAKEE COUNTY Begin near New Albin and drive south through forests and farmland to Lansing. This old river town gives access to Mt. Hosmel Pork, a panoramic view of the Mississippi Valley and the tri -stator area Next explore Yeh'ov River State Forest — 9,000 acres of public hunting. hiking and fishing. Visitors also have access m 3,000 acres of Mississippi River backwater areas. This area is truly a sports enthusiasts paradise. CLAYTON COUNTY Drive south visiting Iowa's only National Monument — Effigy Mounds. Try your luck at the casino in Marquette. McGregor has charming historic homes and businesses, with several antique stops. Enjoy Rise's Peak Stale Pork overlooking the Mississippi where explorers Marquette and Joliet landed. The road, with bike path, now winds through magnificent bluffs and valleys to Guttenberg. the home of German stone buildings restored as restaurants and a riverfront inn Volt the Lockmaster's House Heritage Museum along the mile -long river front park and walkway. En -route is the historic fishing village, Clayton. DUBUQUE COUNTY Home of America's River.® Be sure to not miss the Notional Mississ!ppi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque River Rides,Arboretum, Dubuque Museum ofArt, Fire Flags and Grand Theaters, Sundown ski area. trolley and carriage rides, Field of Dreams, and National FarmToy Museum. Ride the Fenton Place cable car and tour the Mathias Ham House. Enjoy the Victorian House tour and Progressive Dinner, Mystique Casino, Diarsaud Jo Casino and Crystal Lake Cave. JACKSON COUNTY South of Dubuque visit 5t Donates founded by skilled stone masons from Luxembourg. Then discover Bellevue with a beautiful riverfront park extending the full length of the town. Watch towboats "locking through" or eagles feeding below the dam. Other sites include a historical museum, the Bellevue State Park with its limestone cliffs and renowned butterfly garden. Or expenence nature hands on at the 18 acre Hurste/le Lime Kilns interpretive Center right off Highway 61. This 18 acre complex includes a wetland, reconstructed prairie, roadside observation deck, trails and bird blind. CLINTON COUNTY Where the By -way meets the Lincoln Highway (1)5.30), you will find Clinton. Our RirY,a,e.. Pork with the Liihan Russell Showboat Theatre. aquatic center, marina, band shell, and Allionl Encrg y Stadium,, home to the Clinton Lumber Kings (class A baseball team) :its on the majestic Mississippi River ready to entertain a diverse range of guests. Just north on Highway 67 you can view the widest point on the upper Mississippi River from a viewpoint in Eagle Point Pork The 8kkelhaupt Arboretum, the Fehr Adler Children's Discovery Center, The Clinron Cuunty Historical Society Museum and the Ris'erArt Center are open for tourism arnviry. The new Candle fight Restaurant on the riverfront has 0 perfect view of Old Mon River and offers eagle watching in the Winter. The Wild Rose Casino and Re5011 Is located at the (unction of Highway 30 and the Mien-eels expressno /. Trim ;, cr ! (Diem of S, F: SCOTT COUNTY Visit the new 1MAX//OTheatre & Putnam Museum, Bettendorf Fan4 Museum for children, Buffalo Bill Museum, and f-e>ervary Children's Zoo. Try your luck on the Isle of Capri Casino- Bettendorf or Rhythm City Casino- Davenport or take a cruise on the Channel Cat Water Taxi, Celebration Beige or Twilight. View agricultural exhibits at John Deere Commons. Enjoy festivals — Rix Beiderbecke weekend with Bix 7 and Junior Bix 7 road race,Jazz festival and street fair. and Mississippi Valley Blues Fest, Quad City Festival of Trees, BeauxArts Fair. Shop at historic Village of East Davenport, quaint antique boutiques and two major shopping malls. MUSCATINE COUNTY Active and diverse, Muscatine is a community tucked between two river bluffs and is filled with many surprises. Come and experience our first-rate recreational facilities such as W!kkat Den State Park Shady Creek, Fairport fisft Hatchery and Weed Park with the new Aquatic Center, Our renowned Muscatine Art Center and the History and Industry Center offer a glimpse of Muscatines rich history. While you're here, don't forget to strol) along the streets of the hlstonc downtown business district and visit the many unique retail shops, LOUISA COUNTY Louisa County is located at the confluence of the Iowa and Cedar Rivers. The Iowa River flows mostly southeast to near Oakville where it joins the Mississippi River. Naturally, the area is characterized by broad f oodplains containing many wetlands and marsh areas including the Mark Twain Wildlife Refuge. The adjacent wooded bluffs were favorite sites for Native Americans because of the abundance of nearby forage, fish, wildlife and waterfowl: Toolesboro has a series of Indian mounds and a fine visitor center. DES MOINES COUNTY Start your tour of historic Burlington at the Port of Bur6ngtan lases Visitors Center on the Mississippi by the imposing Great River Bridge. Visit the Catfish Rend Rr'erboat Casino and walk past the site of the First lana Territonai Capitol to the charming downtown Kest Jefferson Street Historic District Tour the nearby Heritage Hill Historic District with its grand homes Including the Phtps House, just one of three Des Moines County Historical Society Museums. Walk down famous curvy Snake Alley. Don't miss Burkngtons beautiful parks with their stunning views of the Mississippi River. LEE COUNTY History Ives on, by way of authentically - dressed historic Interpreters at Old Fort Madison, our accurate reconstruction of the first military for on the upper Mississippi. Sharing the beautiful Rue,vee Park with the Fort, you'll also find Santa Fe Engine 2913 and the Ofd Santo Fe Depot Historic Center.You can also view the world's largest double -decker swing Span bridge, watching it open and close to allow barge traffic through and counting the nearly 100 trains that cross the bridge daily! /0 Iowa Participation in Meetings and Events The Iowa Chair participated in all National MRPC Board meetings and Executive Board meetings, as well as the Semi - Annual and Annual Meetings. The majority of Iowa Commissioners also participated in the National MRPC meetings. MRPC 2010 Iowa Great River Road GPS Mapping Project The Iowa MRPC in cooperation with NE Iowa RC &D has embarked on a project to catalogue the amenities of the Iowa Great River Road in GPS form. This project is in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Transportation and the effort involves creating a GPS resource center of all of Iowa's Scenic Byways which will be available to the general public. Those items mapped include interpretive centers, scenic overlooks, public parks, marinas, historic markers, public facilities, campgrounds, wildlife areas and many other attractions or places of interest and/or assistance for the user. The goal of the project is to be able to provide any traveler along our scenic byway a GPS way finding mechanism regardless if they travel by land or by water. Iowa MRPC commissioners participated in the actual mapping of the road in their respective county of the state which they represent. MRPC Annual meeting The National MRPC 1 meeting was held in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in September, 2010 with significant participation from the Iowa membership. Iowa MRPC "Along the Byway" Newsletter The Iowa commission published the newsletter for our stakeholders this year. The publication, which is still mailed to recipients, highlights grant opportunities for river communities, tells the success stories of river projects, and communicates the advocacy role of the Iowa volunteers and technical advisors of the MRPC. A copy of the 2011 newsletter is included in this packet. Iowa MRPC Stakeholder Meetings Stakeholder meetings along the Iowa Great River Road were not held in 2010 in anticipation of a extraordinary effort in 2011 pending the receipt of the Iowa MRPC Corridor Management Plan grant application as a part of the NSB granting process. With receipt of this grant several stakeholder meetings will be scheduled this fall of 2011 to share this news and outline the plan for strategy and successful implementation of the new CMP. Page 14 of 32 National MRPC Interpretive Center Exhibit The National table top exhibit is housed at the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. It was first used at the MRPC Annual meeting in St. Louis and has since been exhibited at three additional meetings. This exhibit is available for use by all states and costs about $50 to ship. Iowa Scenic Byway Grants Awarded for 2010 1. Great River Road National Scenic Byway Orientation Center - $450,000 2. Iowa MRPC Great River Road corridor Management Plan update - $260,000 Total - $710,000 Iowa Scenic Byways Grants Awarded for 2011 1. Bee Branch Mississippi River Trail, Dubuque County - $1,000,000 2. Leopold Property Acquisition in Des Moines County - $365,000 3. Rest Area at Louisa County Interpretive Center - $160,000 Total - $1,525,000 The only scenic byway grants announced 2011 were applications along the Iowa Great River Road. Announcements of new Iowa MRPC Board Members — Iowa Governor Terry Brandstad appointed new Iowa MRPC commissioners in the following counties — Allamakee — Jane M. Regan Clinton — Edith Pfeffer Des Moines — Debra Jochims Jackson — Ronald Thielen Lee — Larry Kruse Dubuque — John Goodmann (6/30/2013) (6/30/2015) (6/30/2015) (6/30/2015) (6/30/2015) - reappointed (6/30/2015) Page 15 of 32 IOWA MISSISSIPPI RIVER PARKWAY COMMISSION COMMISSIONERS NATIONAL COMMITTEE ALLAMAKEE COUNTY Jane M. Regan P.O. Box 34 Harpers Ferry, IA 52146 -0034 CLAYTON COUNTY M.J. Smith 207 Lorenz Lane Guttenberg, IA 52052 CLINTON COUNTY Edith R. Pfeffer 931 2nd Ave. S Clinton, la 52732 -3533 DES MOINES COUNTY: National Treasurer Executive Board National Board Debra J. Jochims 10976 Wildlife Lakes Dr. West Burlington, IA 52655 -8565 DUBUQUE COUNTY John Goodmann Goodmann Insurance Services 2744 University Ave. P.O. Box 1088 Dubuque, IA 52004 -1088 JACKSON COUNTY Ronald Thielen 946 St. Catherine Rd. Bellevue, IA 52031 -9423 Iowa MRPC Chair National Board Marketing ELECTRONIC ADDRESS TERM EXPIRES jregan @leschenskyins.com 6/30/2013 Phone: 563 - 586 -2022 Cell: 563 - 380 -3635 mjsmith @alpinecom.net Phone: 563 - 252 -1275 Cell: 563 - 880 -9992 FAX: 563 -252 -1275 Phone: 563 - 243 -7751 CeII: 563 - 357 -3681 debiochims @aol.com Phone: 319 - 752 -4455 Cell: 319 - 759 -3039 6/30/2013 6/30/2015 6/30/2015 joodmann @real- good.com 6/30/2015 Work phone: 563 - 872 -4991 Home phone: 563 - 556 -7010 CeII: 563 - 599 -4350 FAX: 563 - 5562246 rthielen @westphalec.com Phone: 563 - 773 -8861 CeII: 563 - 590 -1621 Page 16 of 32 6/30/2015 LEE COUNTY Larry W. Kruse 1243 170th Ave. Donnellson, Ia. 52625 -9306 LOUISA COUNTY Jay Schweitzer Transportation P.O. Box 112 Columbus Junction, IA 52738 MUSCATINE COUNTY John Oberhaus 2581 Jasper Ave. Letts, IA 52754 SCOTT COUNTY ERA Patsy L. Ramacitti National Pilot Emeritus 4674 Kynnelworth Dr. Nat. Board of Directors Bettendorf, IA 52722 Executive Board Chair, Awards Committee *Work phone — Mon. -Thur. 8:OOam -12:30 pm TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Troy Siefert IDOT 800 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50010 Transportation IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (vacant) IOWA OFFICE OF TOURISM (vacant) kruselw @hotmail.com Phone: 319 - 469 -2018 Cell: 319 - 537 -1046 jayts @yahoo.com Work phone: 563- 728 -2219 Home phone: 319 - 728 -3180 FAX: 319 - 728 -8449 iloberhaus @lisco.com Phone: 319 - 726 -5395 Cell: 563 - 299 -5736 bettplr @aol.com Work phone: 563 - 336 -3401* Phone: 563 - 332 -5446 Troy.SiefertP dot. iow.gov Work Phone: 515 - 239 -1369 FAX: 515 - 233 -7857 Page 17 of 32 6/30/2015 6/30/2013 6/30/2013 6/30/2013 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Janelle Rettig 110 Schrader Rd. Iowa City, IA 52245 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Ron Deiss Economic & Environment Analysis Branch Clock Tower Bldg. Box 2004 Rock Island, IL 60204 HONORARY MEMBERS: Al Bohling 201 Third Ave., SE, Suite 500 P.O. Box 1803 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406 -1803 Jerry Enzler National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium P.O. Box 266 Dubuque, IA 52004 -0266 NATIONAL MRPC Susanne Thiede- Barnet 222 State St., Suite 400 Madison, WI 53703 Lyn Pilch 222 State St., Suite 400 Madison, WI 53703 6/30/2011 janellerettig @aol.com Phone: 319 - 338 -0999 Cell: 319 - 330 -1916 FAX: 319 - 338 -0999 Ronald.w.deiss @usace.army.mil Work phone: 309 - 794 -5185 FAX: 309 - 794 -5157 abohling @shive- hattery.com jenzler @rivermuseum.com susanne @pilchbarnet.com Work Phone: 608 - 242 -8895 FAX: 608 - 242 -8896 Ivn @pilchbarnet.com Work phone: 608 - 242 -8895 FAX: 608 - 242 -8896 Page 18 of 32 IOWA MRPC March 26, 2010 The Lodge Bettendorf, Iowa The meeting called to order by Chairman John Goodmann at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, March 26, 2010. Present: Elaine Baxter, Cali Beals, Gene Enke, John Goodmann, Marian Meyer, John Oberhaus, Art 011ie, Patsy Ramacitti, and Sue Stirn. Absent: M.J. Smith and Jay Schweitzer The minutes of the last meeting held on November — minutes were approved with correction with that Ron Deiss from the U.S .Corps of Engineers was in attendance. Gene made the motion and John seconded to approve minutes with correction. Patsy Ramacitti — Troy Siefert got us an extension due to Carolyn Corbin's illness. He brought Dave Dalhquist on board to help us get this Corridor Management Plan completed in a timely manner David Dalhquist gave a presentation regarding the updating the Iowa Great river Road Corridor Management Plan. (See handout.) by working with all other agencies across the board. This is basically an approach to build our capacity as the managing entity for the GRR. A lot of people will be involved over the next 24 -30 months. We will help to facilitate his efforts by working to collect what we already know and building on this knowledge. Patsy Ramacitti asked what organization will get approval to implement the grant — will they come up with the cities to focus on or will we? Dave — both of the above. We need to customize the Corridor Management Plan and work with everyone interested in the byway. Enhance the livability factor. There will also be financial incentives. We will hold an educational seminar on the river (their time could be part of the required in -kind match). Culture, natural resource, history, outdoor recreation — all are part of the strong narrative of the byway. Total cost is $325,000. Federal request is $260,000 and local is $65,000. $44,000 from MRPC and $12,000 from "others ". For example, the National Heritage Foundation and Bluff Land Alliance. (See handout from David Dalhquist "Corridor Management Plan Update- Budget). Measuring effectiveness will be one outcome of the update. Visitor awareness - understanding and perception — how we affect the effectiveness of our partners. Organizational effectiveness and our presence in the corridor will be the result. Capital investment projects, river access points, trails, more media, more interpretive centers on both the public and private side should also be the result of this project. Motion by Patsy Ramacitti and seconded by Elaine Baxter to approve the Corridor Management Plan as presented by David Dalhquist. This includes the budget he submitted to the IDOT for national scenic byways program. Motion was unanimous. Page 19 of 32 Our top priority is the grant to update the Corridor Management Plan that we are submitting which is for $260,000.The seven other National Scenic Byway grants were prioritized by the commission are as follows: 1. Des Moines County Aldo Leopold Interpretive Center — 82 points ($366,800) 2. Keokuk Riverfront Development Project — 81.7 points ($133,600) 3. Montrose Berry Shed Renovation— 77.7 points ($99,280) 4. Dubuque Great River Road National Scenic Byway Orientation Center, — 74.3 points ($450,000) 5. Clinton Sawmill Museum — 72.3 points ($1,324,218) The committee 6. Allamakee County Scenic MRT Bike Trail — 67.1 points ($727,280) 7. Heron Bend Site Enhancements— 74.3 points ($120,990) Total amount requested is $3,222,168. Motion by John Oberhaus to recommend funding the $317,225 planning portion of the Clinton Sawmill Museum. Seconded by Gene Enke. Passed unanimously. Motion by Gene Enke to approve final rankings with our project as No. 1. Also with a notation on the Heron Bend Site Enhancement that the project not be funded. This motion was seconded by Elaine Baxter. Passed unanimously. Cali Beals Division Coordination for Community Development gave the following report: There is new IDED leadership. Nancy Landess is retiring and the new Director will be Bret Mills, formerly with Iowa Finance Authority. The new Deputy Director will be Teresa Haye- McMahon. There are also 3 -year grants for sustainability projects. The disaster recovery funding is at $180 million. Also as the home rehab and by -outs get done there will be more money allocated to infrastructure projects. The GIS project was discussed. We are hoping for one or two volunteers per county — hopefully college students can assist us. We need an inventory specific to our Great River Road to be done over the next 12 months. President John Goodmann asked the commissioners to again refer to Exhibit A for more details. Each commissioner should be working in their county to find these volunteers. Marian Meyer requested $299 per year to be paid to "365" for membership in Street Jaw which is an interactive search engine and advertising tool for those connected to our website. The consensus of the commission was to table purchasing this product until more information was available from "365 ". Gene Enke asked about the status of the new national Scenic Byway signs? He is following up with signage in his county — they have finally been delivered. John Oberhaus made a motion to approve the application of the Grist Mill at Wild Cat State Park to be a MRPC Interpretive Center. The motion was seconded by Patsy Ramaciti. The application will be submitted in April and a final vote will be at the national MRPC meeting in September. Elaine Baxter reminded the commission of an invitation to the launch party and news conference for the new travel Mississippi River Initiative. This recent regional marketing effort is a collaboration Page 20 of 32 of riverfront communities in Illinois and Iowa along the Mississippi River and Great River Road. The date is April 12, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Figge Art Museum. Committee Partners include: Dubuque and Visitors Bureau, Savanna Chamber of Commerce, Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fulton Chamber of Commerce /City of Fulton, Clinton Convention &Visitors Bureau, City of LeClaire/ LeClaire Tourism, City of Port Byron, Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, Muscatine Convention & Visitors Bureau, Henderson county Economic Development Corp., Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fort Madison Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Keokuk Convention & Tourism Bureau, Nauvoo Tourism Office, Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Motion to adjourn was made by Gene Enke and seconded by Elaine Baxter at 2:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marian L. Meyer Secretary, Iowa MRPC Page 21 of 32 IOWA MRPC October 8, 2010 The Lodge Bettendorf, Iowa The meeting called to order by Chairman John Goodmann at 10:35 a.m. on Friday, October 8, 2010. Present: Ron Deiss, Gene Enke, John Goodmann, Marian Meyer, John Oberhaus, Art 011ie, Patsy Ramacitti, Jay Schweitzer and M.J. Smith. Absent: Elaine Baxter and Sue Stirn. The minutes of the last meeting held on March 26, 2010 were approved with Enke making the motion and Oberhaus the second. The formerly approved financial reports were made available for last year and the coming year. There was a discussion about where we are at with the Iowa Great River Road Corridor Management Plan grant that was submitted by the commission. Hopefully we will know by the end of November. If we get the grant our stakeholders can be used as an in -kind match. This will be our main project — to promote. Patsy Ramacitti presented the Iowa National Byway Grant Application Evaluation Sheet, the Iowa Byways 2010 NSB Grant Scoring and Ranking Summary and a copy of the project summary for the Iowa Great River Road Corridor Management Plan. The better our Corrider Management plan the better the stakeholders chances are to receive their grants. We can also share the new format and evaluation sheet with our stakeholders and do away with the one we have been using. A motion was made by Schweitzer and seconded by Enke to adopt the newer formats. Approved. Concerning the status of the 2011 NSB grants we are still waiting for a decision. Hopefully we will know by Thanksgiving. The board discussed what our options were with and without receiving the grant. We need to stay in touch with our tourism and economic development people and also keeping our city councils and county supervisors updated. M.J. offered to develop a template or script to use when we meet with our city and county officials Goodmann recommended continuing with the geocaching project. This is a recommendation from the MRPC executive board. As board members we need to check our sites to be sure they are still working. The project is meant to work with local, county and the RC& D's as well as the state and federal programs. Motion by Enke to approve expenses for this through the marketing committee and Schweitzer seconded. Approved. More copies of the "2009 -2010 Annual Report" were requested from President Goodmann to be distributed to the board members who haven't received them. Reports from the National Technical Committee meetings were shared: Page 22 of 32 Ag. Tourism — ideas included mazes and highlighting organic & locally grown food. Cultural and Heritage - update survey list, work on oral histories and editing website. A fishing contest on the same day in each of the ten states. Work on recreational, youth oriented publicity. Transportation — there is a transmission line that is being built in Wisconsin along The Great River Road. We are trying to get the line built farther away so it does not negatively impact the road. The MRPC website was discussed. Board members discussed their frustration with our web site provider "365 ". Meyer and Goodmann have spoken with their representatives several times with little results. A four person committee was named to work on a website policy and an advertising policy. The committee will be Art 011ie, John Goodmann, Sue Stim and Marian Meyer. Meyer will contact Bryce Parks again for another update. A motion was made by Ramicitti and seconded by Enke to investigate the possibility of using another service if the situation is not remedied. Approved. Our 75th Anniversity of the MRPC will be in St. Louis, MO. in 2012. We need to partner with the Corp of Engineers. A subcommittee was named to work on this project: Named were Patsy Ramicitti, Sue Stirn and Marian Meyer. Our MRPC brochures were discussed. We need to update and produce them economi- cally. Goodmann will work on this. Approved to spend was $4,000. The new MRPC Endowment Fund was discussed and the new brochures were distributed to the commissioners. The principal of the Endowment Fund would not be touched. All board members need to contribute. We also need to sell the idea to others. We would use our overall MRPC goals to decide how to spend the endowment money. Other ideas included grant projects for 10 -state projects, environmental concerns, involve our young people with a stipend to attend our meetings. Also, request the National office to send out a survey and ask other states how they would use these funds. A motion by 011ie and seconded by Enke to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marian L. Meyer Secretary, Iowa MRPC Page 23 of 32 IOWA MRPC March 24, 2011 The Lodge Bettendorf, Iowa The meeting called to order by Chairman John Goodmann at 10:35 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2011. Roll Call: Present: Ron Deiss, Gene Enke, John Goodmann, Marian Meyer, John Oberhaus, Art 011ie, Patsy Ramacitti, Jay Schweitzer, Troy Siefert and M.J. Smith. Absent: Elaine Baxter. Minutes: The minutes of the last meeting held on October 8, 2010 were reviewed and approved with Patsy Ramacitti making the motion and Jay Schweitzer the second. Approved. President Goodmann relayed to the board the resignation of Sue Stirn due to family concerns. He will send a letter of appreciation and will continue to search for a replacement for Allamakee County. Representatives from the NE Iowa Resource and Development Office were recognized by the chair. They included Peter Hochule and Jeff Teegarden from the Iowa Valley RC &D and Deneb Woods from the Northeast Iowa RC & D. They gave an update on our attractions and resources in the MRPC Iowa corridor. Previously each commissioner had been given a map of their county and were instructed to update their county including GPS mapping. Points of interest and emphasis include historic sites, scenic overlooks, public parks, public restrooms, restaurants, museums, marinas and ferry services. M.J. Smith emphased who we were serving with our stakeholders in mind. Also, we should be able to include this on our website. The inventory can be used in other ways with the GPS mapping. The updates in our inventory are controlled by each community and county. President Goodmann reminded the commission that he needs the county updates by April 15, 2011. Financial: The current financial report for FYE 2011was given by Troy Siefert, DOT representative for the Iowa Department of Transportation. A Financial Annual Budget and Expense Report was distributed to each commissioner. Also, a revised FYE 2011 report was distributed showing budget line Item #9 (Iowa Maps) was $775.00 instead of $1,500 for a savings of $750.00. Therefore, our expenses paid to date are $6,666.33. After our state dues of $15,000 are paid the remaining balance is $17,609. Any remaining monies will be used to invest in the Corridor Management Plan. The proposed FYE 2012 was presented to the commission by President Goodman and Troy Siefert. The total proposed remains at $40,000 with minor changes in the individual line items. Siefert will email a final updated budget to the commissioners at the end of the fiscal year. A motion to accept the above budget reports was made by Ramacitti and seconded by Enke. Approved unanimously. Template /Script for Meetings with Local Officials: President Goodmann then asked M.J. Smith to present her template /script to the commission for their consideration. Also, an Iowa Great River Road 2011 Corridor Management Plan Partnership Outline, a Great River Road Impact Statement and the Iowa National Scenic Byway Projects by County were proposed. Discussion followed. These documents are to be used when we are meeting with our local officials as we continue to educate and inspire others about the value of the parkway. She is also working on a MRPC CD with 25 state and 50 federal photos. MRPC Website Update: The MRPC website was discussed with Brad Parks and Bryce Parks and the updates they would like to pursue. They recognized that they had not been following through with continued updates to our website, explaining that the economic downturn and flooding have been a huge setback to their Page 24 of 32 company. Their main emphasis will involve working with Chambers of Commerce and CVB's for continually updated data. The following motion was made by Gene Enke and seconded by M.J. Smith: The MRPC will act as a facilitator for the website company "365" to contact our local tourism offices, CVBs or Chambers of Commerce to coordinate information, keeping our MRPC website updated and more user friendly. They may use our website platform with the following priorities: interpretive sites, general points of interest, historic, scenic and recreational information. Our priorities are not advertising and we can request a site that we do not approve of to be turned off. The commission would also like an update every six months on the progress of the website. The motion was approved unanimously. Discussion for Planning /Coordination Contract: Discussion was held concerning the Planning/Coordination Contract for our proposed National Scenic Byway grant. We are still waiting to hear if our grant has been approved. This item was presented by President Goodmann and Troy Siefert. Previously, Siefert had emailed a Federal -aid Consultant Checklist, Guidelines for Federal -aid Consultant Contracts, Payments Methods and a Sample Consultant Contract. These instructional memorandums will need to be followed to be able to use federal funds for our Corridor Management Plan project. A motion was made by Schweitzer to authorize President Goodmann and Patsy Ramacitti to proceed to work on the selection of a consultant for the above. The motion was seconded by M.J. Smith. Approved unanimously. Several commissioners' teuus will be ending. Gene Enke is working with the Governor's office to make sure the commission remains fully represented with all 10 counties. Gene has been on the commission over 25 years and will not be seeking reappointment. He will be greatly missed. National Committee reports were presented: Transportation Committee: Art 011ie discussed the Plan for American Road status and an update on the Mississippi River Trail board and their plans. Culture & Heritage Committee: Gene Enke relayed to the commissioners that all of the surveys through the Interpretive Centers have been completed. Marketing Committee: Geo- caches should be checked to make sure the sites are listed. President Goodmann will check on. Environment & Recreation Committee: 75th Anniversary planned that will be in St. Louis MO and several promotional activities were discussed. Corps of Engineers will also be involved. Marketing Committee: our Geo- caches should be checked to make sure they are listed and functioning. Transportation Committee: the new Byways Brochure from the DOT features the GRR prominently on the fold out. County Activity Reports: Clayton County: June 17th there will be a dedication of the new marina at Guttenburg's new Marina Visitors Center. Clinton County: The new Saw Mill Museum received a grant for $25,000 from the Union Pacific Railroad. Page 25 of 32 Lee County: A dedication has been held for the completed Montrose Observation center which was partially funded by a MRPC grant and volunteer labor. Also, the old Fort Madison renovation has been completed. Louisa County: There will be groundbreaking for a new Interpretive Center there. Eight miles of the Great River Road will be paved for the first time. Lee County: Both interpretive centers very active with Montrose Observation Center. Gene Enke will be retiring from board after 25 years and is actively looking for his replacement in Lee County. There will not be a spring conference to save funding. Instead there will be a Spring 2011 Webinar on Friday, May 6, 2011 from 10:00 — 11:30 A.M CDT. Motion to adjourn: Motion to adjourn was made by Gene Enke and seconded by John Oberman at 2:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marian L. Meyer Secretary, Iowa MRPC Page 26 of 32 IOWA MRPC July 21, 2011 The Lodge Bettendorf, Iowa The meeting called to order by Chairman John Goodmann at 10:05 a.m. on Thursday, July, 2011. The Chairman welcomed the new members and asked the Commissioners to move to the foyer so pictures could be taken of the outgoing and current Commissioners. Roll Call: Present: Elaine Baxter, Gene Enke, John Goodmann, Marian Meyer, John Oberhaus, Art 011ie, Patsy Ramacitti, Jay Schweitzer, Troy Siefert and M.J. Smith. Also present were the newly appointed board members: Alamakee County — Jane Regan, Lee County — Larry Kruse, Des Moines County — Debra Jochims, Clinton County — Edith Pfeffer, Jackson County — Ronald Thielen. Absent: Ron Deiss. Minutes: The minutes of the last meeting held on March 24, 2011were reviewed and approved with Patsy Ramacitti making the motion and M.J. Smith the second. Motion passed unanimously. Election of Officers: The positions of Vice Chaiinran and Secretary need to be filled. Ron Thielen was nominated for Vice Chairman and Debbie Jochims was nominated as Secretary. The motion was made by Patsy Ramacitti and seconded by M.J. Smith. Motion passed unanimously. Financial: The current financial report for FYE 201 lwas given by Troy Siefert, DOT representative for the Iowa Department of Transportation. We still need to finalize the 2011 budget. President Goodmann gave an update of the Corridor Management Plan Project. We need a new Concept Statement to move forward. He introduced Dave Dahquist and Breann Bye who are our Contractors /Consultants for the Iowa MRPC Corridor Management Plan. Their presentation is scheduled later in the meeting. MRPC Purpose /Organization Patsy Ramacitti, National Pilot emeritus presented a history of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission. She also talked about the national committees and recruiting new members for these committees. She reminded the Commission of the Annual Meeting in little Rock, Arkansas on Sept. 29 and 30, 2011. Handouts The handouts were reviewed with each new commissioner receiving a roster of the current list of commissioners, a roster of the National Board, a name badge with pin, the Iowa MRPC handbook and the new Iowa MRPC brochure. Troy Siefert, DOT representative reviewed the IDOT reimbursements and forms. Presentation by David Dahquist and Breann Bye, Contractors for the Iowa MRPC Corridor Management Plan Update Page 27 of 32 As our federal grant has been approved Dave Dahquist and Brenn Bye have been chosen to be our consultants and contractors for the Corridor Management Plan. This is a large and comprehensive project that sets our goals, tasks and objectives for the years to come. This Corridor Management Plan will set future guidelines for Iowa organizations when they apply for National Scenic Byway Grants. A total of 30 million dollars has come to Iowa as seed money and scenic byway money and this helps create jobs. However, 50 programs relating to byways may be merged. The national Scenic Byway Grant Program may be in jeopardy of being de- funded. We need lobbying efforts at the federal level. Terri Goodmann has been suggested to the national MRPC Board as an excellent and proven ambassador to communicate our goals to our representatives in Washington, D.C. Motion to adjourn: Motion to adjourn was made by Larry Kruse and seconded by Jay Schweitzer at 2:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marian L. Meyer Outgoing Secretary, Iowa MRPC Page 28 of 32 Along the Byway NSB Grant to MRPC Announced The National Scenic Byways (NSB) Discretionary Grants program provides merit -based funding for byway- related projects each year. Many Iowa Mississippi River communities have found success through this program. The Iowa Mississippi Parkway Commission (MRPC) encourages applications for projects along the Great River Road. This past week, an award of $260K was announced to update the Great River Road Corridor Management Plan (see accompanying news story). The Iowa MRPC recently met and reviewed the history of this successful program, noting $7,303,551 in federal investment for 53 projects in Iowa from 1993 -2009. The Great River Road has shared this federal support with Loess Hills National Scenic Byway in western Iowa. Fort Madison's Historic Depot Complex Restoration project, on the banks of the Mississippi River, is just one of the NSB - supported projects completed on the Iowa Great River Road. A RAINDROP FALLING INTO LAKE ITASCA WOULD ARRIVE AT THE GULF OF MEXICO IN ABOUT 90 DAYS Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Newsletter VOLUME 18 JUNE 2011 GREAT RIVER ROAD CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE The Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission works in partnership with cities, counties, visitors' bureaus, and many nonprofit organizations and citizens to define the vision for the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. These partnerships and the vision for this national resource are documented in a Corridor Management Plan (CMP). The CMP is then a tool for community leaders and grant writers as they plan projects and seek funding. The commission's update of the CMP are underway, with selection of a consultant. Stakeholders up and down the Great River Road will be invited to meet and discuss the future of this National Scenic Byway and national treasure. lay Schweitzer, Iowa MRPC Commissioner from Louisa County, is one of the volunteers who will be calling stakeholder and partnership meetings in Iowa, in order to update the Corridor Management Plan Page 29 of 32 DISCOVER THE BUFFALO BILL MUSEUM The Iowa MRPC celebrates and congratulates the Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire upon its recent approval as a Great River Road Interpretive Center. BUFFALO BILL MUSEUM fifiidrd19S7 William E Cody "Buffalo Bill" (1$46-1914 Buffalo Bill Museum is named in honor of its most famous resident who was born near LeClaire and lived there during his boyhood years. The museum has an extensive collection of posters, newspaper articles and other memorabilia of his "Wild West Show." Visitors experience life in a Mississippi River town during the Buffalo Bill era. Most exhibits reflect life from the founding of LeClaire in 1834 to the Middle of the 1900s. Visitors can get a feeling of the steamboat era by touring the Lone Star Steam Wheeler. The Lone Star is the last running, and now, the only, wooden hulled paddlewheel boat remaining intact that plied the Mississippi River. It has been dry docked at the museum since 1968 and in 2008 was enclosed in a steel and glass structure to preserve it for future generations. It pushed logs from Minnesota and Wisconsin forests during the late 19'h century. Touring the boat and listening to a hand -held audio tour gives our visitors the highest quality information about the working towboat. Visitors also experience the noblest among the tree celebrities of the upper Mississippi Valley as they view the exhibit of the famous 200 + - year -old elm tree. The museum includes a small gift shop containing items relating to the exhibits in the museum. Buffalo Bill Museum Contact Information Open Year Round Monday - Saturday: 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Sunday 12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Admission Fee: Adults: $5 1 Children: $1 Address: 199 N. Front St., Le Claire, Iowa 52753 Located 1 Block east of Cody Road/Hwy 67; between Downtown LeClaire and the Miss. River www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com Phone: 563- 289 -5580 Email: museum @buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com MRPC ENDOWMENT Iowa MRPC commissioners, considering the Great River Road to be a national treasure, are working together with the national MPRC to build an endowment to preserve it forever. To learn more, visit: www.experiencemississippiriver.com/pdf/MRPCEn dowmentBrochure.pdf 2 Page 30 of 32 THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IS A FISHING HOT SPOT WITH 241 FISH SPECIES INHABITING THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES CASSVILLE FERRY CONNECTS BYWAYS The Cassville Car Ferry connects two National Scenic Byways; the Wisconsin Great River Road and the Iowa Great River Road. The Cassville Ferry is named The Charlie D, after the late pilot and founder, Charles Dietrich. The ferry served the early settlement as far back as 1833 and it continues today, making the same trip back and forth across the mighty Mississippi. It is the oldest operating ferry service in the state of Wisconsin. Take a ride on the Cassville Car Ferry and visualize a twenty-three year old Nelson Dewey, who was to become the first governor of Wisconsin, making his first trip from Iowa across the Mississippi to reach the tiny village of Cassville. Today, it is still a fun way to cross. The ferry lands in Clayton County at Turkey River Landing. Motorists and visitors on cycles must exit on a gravel road to reach the Iowa Great River Road and turn north to Guttenberg or south to Balltown. Directions to the Car Ferry from Iowa: Take Hwy 52 to Millville. Turn unto C9Y. Watch for the electrical substation and directional signs. The gravel road leads to the Turkey River boat landing, where the ferry picks up passengers. Directions to the Car Ferry from Cassville: Take State Hwy 133 south to Crawford St., turn west towards the river. Turn right at the Riverside Park boat landing; follow the road to the upper park to the ferry landing. The Federal Highway Administration funds this newsletter. Send submissions to: m'smith@ aI )inecom.net 3 Page 31 of 32 AMERICA'S BYWAYS Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission PO Box 1088 Dubuque, IA 52004 -1008 Along the Byway is published for stakeholders of the Great River Road. IOWA MRPC COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Chair John Goodmann, Dubuque County Email: joodmann @real - good.com Vice Chair Art 011ie, Clinton County Email: j.a.ollie @mchsi.com Secretary Marion Meyer, Jackson County Email: marianmeyer4 @aol.com Patsy Ramacitti, Nat. Pilot Emeritus, Scott County Email: BettPLR @aol.com M.J. Smith, Clayton County Email: mjsmith @alpinecom.net John Oberhaus, Muscatine County Email: jloberhaus @lisco.com Jay Schweitzer, Louisa County Email jayts @yahoo.com Elaine Baxter, Des Moines County Email: elainbax @msn.com Gene Enke, Lee County Email: g_enke @yahoo.com Page 32 of 32 tiJi"Y b4 Inside this issue: Iowa MRPC plans Great River Road Corridor Management Plan Update Discover the Buffalo Bill Museum Take a ride on the Cassville Ferry