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 —
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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,
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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