2012 Federal Legislative PrioritiesMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: 2012 Federal Legislative Priorities
DATE: December 28, 2011
Dubuque
bierd
All-America City
1
2007
Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann has worked with the Department Managers to
develop a set of recommended 2012 Federal Legislative Priorities.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
adoption of the 2012 Federal Legislative Priorities.
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
2012 Federal Legislative Priorities
1. TRANSPORTATION
Southwest Arterial Project
The Dubuque City Council, the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, the Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS), the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
and the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation have all identified the completion of the
Southwest Arterial project as the No. 1 surface transportation priority in the Dubuque area.
The proposed Southwest Arterial project will be a 6.1 -mile four -lane divided freeway with
priority 1- access control between Highway 61/151 and Highway 20.
Based on future traffic demand projections, as outlined in the Dubuque Metropolitan Area
Transportation Study (DMATS) Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Central Avenue
(Hwy 52/3), South Grandview Avenue and Kelly Lane are forecasted to be over capacity by
2012. The Southwest Arterial will provide an alternate, direct and efficient route for traffic
through southwestern Dubuque, thereby reducing traffic congestion on the local street
system, including Central Avenue (Hwy 52/3) through the downtown and Kelly Lane that is
through a residential neighborhood. The Southwest Arterial project will also relieve
congestion and improve safety on Highway 61/151 and Highway 20 through Dubuque.
Traffic Congestion on Local Street Network
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Economic Development
The Southwest Arterial project will provide a significant national and regional economic
benefit in providing a direct connection between the new Dubuque Technology Park on
Highway 61/151 with the new Dubuque Industrial Center West, and the existing
Dubuque Industrial Center near Highway 20 The highway then extends north to John
Deere Dubuque Works via the Iowa Highway 32 (Northwest Arterial)
Key
• Southwest Arterial
- Highways /Streets /Roads
• Dubuque City Limits
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Southwest Arterial Roadway Alignment
Since October 2001, 19companies have made expansion decisions at the Dubuque
Industrial Center West, based upon assurances that the proposed Southwest Arterial
was in the engineering design phase and that the project would be in the Iowa
Department of Transportation five -year plan The largest of the companies, McGraw -
Hill Publishing Company, made a decision to locate a new 330,000- square -foot
distribution center in the Dubuque Industrial Center West The completion of Southwest
Arterial is vital to other expansion announcements Alliant Energy, Adams Company,
Arts Way Manufacturing, American Tank & Fabrication, Giese Manufacturing, Tri -State
Industries, Kendall /Hunt Publishing, Oral Arts Laboratories, Dubuque Screw Products,
Theisen's Supply, Medline Industries, Vanguard Countertops, Hormel Food Corp, and
ITC Holding Corp, TM Logistics, Green Industrial Supply, 'WI Motor Parts Other
nationally recognized local companies asking for a connection between Highway 20 and
Highway 61/151 include John Deere Dubuque Works, Nordstrom Distribution Center,
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A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing, Swiss Valley Farms, Flexsteel Industries, and Dubuque
Stamping and Manufacturing.
Dubuque is the regional economic center for the Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin tri -state
area. With local international companies such as the John Deere Dubuque Works,
Nordstrom Distribution Center, McGraw -Hill Publishing Company, A.Y. McDonald
Manufacturing, Flexsteel Industries, Kendall /Hunt Publishing, and the Hormel Food
Corporation, it is critical to construct the Southwest Arterial as an alternate, direct route
for commercial traffic through southwestern Dubuque. The Southwest Arterial project
will significantly improve the efficiency and safety of the regional highway transportation
network that is vital for the statewide, national and global distribution of local commerce
and the continued growth and sustainability of the strong regional economy.
Mobility Benefits
The Southwest Arterial project will connect two growing sections of the community
together and will support future anticipated expansion growth to the southwest of the
City toward the Dubuque Regional Airport. The Southwest Arterial will also provide an
efficient bypass around the City thereby reducing travel times and minimizing delay by
reducing traffic volumes and congestion on the local street system, including Central
Avenue (Hwy 52/3), Rockdale Road, Kelly Lane, Fremont, Cedar Cross Road, Starlight
and Crescent Ridge. Traffic wishing to travel beyond Dubuque will be able to take the
Southwest Arterial bypass around the City which will provide significant travel time
savings by avoiding the numerous signalized intersections on Highway 61/151, Highway
20 and Central Avenue (Hwy 52/3) through Dubuque.
Environmental Benefits
The Southwest Arterial project will provide an alternate, direct and efficient route for
traffic through southwestern Dubuque, which will provide significant travel time savings
by avoiding the numerous signalized intersections on Highway 61/151, Highway 20 and
Central Avenue (Hwy 52/3) through Dubuque, thereby providing fuel energy savings,
reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality. The Southwest Arterial project will
be designed and constructed with forward thinking sustainability initiative incorporated,
which will include an environmentally and resource sensitive highway corridor, an
integrated bike /pedestrian trail with amenities, and Intelligent Transportation System
(ITS) technology.
Project Development - Current Status
The preliminary engineering design phase is completed and the Southwest Arterial
project is now proceeding with the final engineering design phase, right -of -way property
acquisition and archaeological and cultural resource phase III mitigation work.
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Expenditure Obligation
The City is committed to advancing the development of the Southwest Arterial and
expending current available funding. The following is a summary of both federal and
local funding that has been requisitioned and obligated for expenditure to complete final
engineering design, right -of -way property acquisition, archaeological and cultural
resource phase III mitigation work and construction.
Expenditure Summary
FY 2009 - 2010
21,923,942
FY 2011
6,057,500
Total Expenditure Obligation
27,981,442
Final Engineering Design
In March, 2009, the City approved the selection of AECOM to complete the final
engineering design phase. On August 27th, 2009, the City received official Iowa DOT
notification that the FHWA has given approval for AECOM to proceed with the final
design phase.
The technical design team is currently working on final engineering design elements,
including: interchange layout and configuration, bridge and structures design,
geotechnical subsurface investigation, sustainable highway design concepts,
architectural and landscape enhancement concepts, wetland delineations and
mitigation.
As part of the final design phase of the Southwest Arterial, the Iowa DOT and the
FHWA required that a formal Value Engineering (VE) Study be conducted. The primary
objective of the Study was to identify potential modifications that might decrease the
construction cost or to increase the value of the project. In November, 2009, the Value
Engineering Study was completed and a final report was issued.
The most significant value engineering (VE) alternative under strong consideration is
the proposed modifications to the Southwest Arterial / U.S. 201 Seippel Road
interchange area. These changes could include; use of roundabouts, changes to the
ramp layouts, changes to the access road layouts, eliminate the need for a cross -over
bridge, and possibly eliminate the need to purchase three (3) properties along Cousins
Road. The potential VE savings to incorporate these savings are in the magnitude of
$5.9 million.
The full extent of the potential VE savings will be evaluated and further refined as the
project team proceeds into the final design phases, evaluates environmental impacts,
property acquisition impacts and the City conducts public informational meetings on the
proposed Southwest Arterial / U.S. 20 / Seippel Road interchange configurations under
consideration.
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Property Acquisition
In February 2009, the City signed a joint partnership agreement between the City and the Iowa
DOT to perform right of way property acquisition services for the Southwest Arterial Project. On
September 10, 2009, the City received official Iowa DOT notification that the FHWA has given
approval and authorization to proceed with right -of -way acquisition.
The City and the Iowa DOT property acquisition staff are currently proceeding with right -of -way
property acquisition for the 43 impacted properties. As of October 2011, the City has purchased
27 properties for a total purchase expenditure in the amount of $5.7 million to -date. Another 2
properties are currently in the acquisition negotiation phase. Another 5 properties are
anticipated to be released for acquisition within the next 60 days as soon as the utility
easements are finalized and the acquisition appraisal updates are completed. The remaining
10 properties are temporarily on hold while the project team completes the design modifications
to the Southwest Arterial / U.S. 20 / Seippel Road interchange.
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the City and County have
committed all of the local transportation funding, $2.9 million, for purchase of property for the
Southwest Arterial. As of March 2011, all ARRA stimulus funding has been expended.
Archaeological and Cultural Resource Mitigation
In the summer of 2010, work began on the archaeological and cultural resource
mitigation phase of the project. The City anticipates that 75% of the mitigation sites will
be completed by December 2010. The remaining mitigation sites will be completed as
those respective properties are acquired and prior to the start of construction.
Construction
To maximize available funding, the City is moving forward with "fast track" phased
project components to construct Southwest Arterial improvements that will provide
immediate public benefits and create significant construction efficiencies for the future
grading and paving of the four lane freeway between Highway 151/61 to Highway 20.
The first phase of construction began in September 2010 with the reconstruction of
North Cascade Road. The project will provide for the reconstruction (grading, paving &
bridge) and realignment of North Cascade Road which will allow the Southwest Arterial
to travel under the new North Cascade Road Bridge. The second construction
phase, the English Mill Road reconstruction project, is scheduled for bid letting in spring
of 2012 and will involve side road improvements that will allow the highway to travel
under the new English Mill Road Bridge
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Construction Project
Amount
North Cascade Road (1m Phase) - Under Construction
$ 3,000,064
English Mill Road (2"/ Phase) - Bid Spring 2012
$ 5,093,000
Military Road (3`d Phase) - Bid Spring 2012
$ 9,13,0000
Total Construction Costs:
$ 17,223,064
In the summer of 2012, the City intends to proceed with a phased approach to begin
construction of the Southwest Arterial / U.S. 20 / Seippel Road interchange. With any
remaining local federal appropriations matched with the Iowa DOT's 5 —year Highway
Transportation Improvement Program funding (FY13 - $5,460,000), the city will begin
grading work for the interchange development. The Iowa DOT has additional funds
programmed in FY14 ($12,300,000 for the Southwest Arterial / U.S.20 / Seippel Road
Interchange. An IDOT Revitalize Iowa Sound Economy (RISE) grant will be submitted
for the remaining $7 million needed for building the Interchange.
Project Cost
Due to project funding constraints, the Project Technical Committee has been preparing
cost scenarios and evaluating construction alternatives for completing components of
the project with currently available federal, state and local funding.
Total Funding Projection Summary
Status
Amount
Total Federal Funds
Committed
$ 805,334
Total State Funds
Committed
$ 17,760,000
Total Local Funds
Committed
$ 15,808,967
Total Federal /State/ Local Funding:
66,374,301
An alternate interim phase under consideration would include the acquisition of all right -
of -way required for the complete four -lane project, complete the archaeological and
cultural resource mitigation phases, complete final engineering design which would
provide for the grading of four -lanes between Highway 151/61 to Highway 20, pave two -
lane highway between Highway 151/61 to Highway 20, partial interchanges at Highway
151/61 and at Highway 20, and a temporary at -grade intersection at North Cascade
Road. The preliminary cost projection for the interim two -lane highway is $98,300,000.
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Interim Build, Grade 4 -Lane, Pave 2 -Lane, Highway 20 to 61/151
$ 98,300,000
Total Federal / State • Local Funding:
$ 374,301
Interim Project, 2 -Lane Highway - Funding Gap:
- $ 1,925,699
At current funding levels, there is a $32 million funding shortfall for the Southwest
Arterial to complete the interim two -lane highway between Highway 20 and Highway
61/151.
The interim two -lane highway would function until future additional funding is available
to complete the remaining two -lanes and construct full interchanges which would fully
complete the four -lane divided freeway and should provide a reasonable level of traffic
service through the year 2015. The preliminary cost projection for the complete four -
lane freeway project is $125,000,000.
Complete Project, 4 -Lane Freeway, Highway 20 to 611151
$ 125,000,000
Total Federal / State • Local Funding:
$ 66,374,301
Complete Project, 4 -Lane Freeway - Funding Gap:
- $ 58,625,699
At current funding levels, there is a $59 million funding shortfall for the Southwest
Arterial to complete the full build four -lane freeway project between Hwy 20 and Hwy
61/151. This project continues to be a top priority; therefore, other strategies are being
evaluated to insure that this project moves forward.
Federal Funding
As a result of hard work from Dubuque's congressional delegation, the Federal
Transportation Bill (SAFETEA -LU) presented a new opportunity for funding.
Congressman Nussle included into the House version of the bill $20 million. In
Conference Committee, the appropriation amount was reduced to $15 million and then
U.S. Senator Grassley was able to get the amount increased to $26.18 million. The
approved SAFETEA -LU Bill includes funding for the Southwest Arterial in the amount of
$26.18 million. The City extends its sincere appreciation to Congressman Nussle, and
U.S. Senators Grassley and Harkin for targeting this project with federal appropriation
authorization, which will play a critical role in moving forward with this project.
The Technical Corrections Bill was passed which authorized $5.5 million in unused
SAFETEA -LU grant funding for the U.S. 20 Bridge to be transferred of the Southwest
Arterial project.
Through the support and partnership of U.S. Senator Harkin, U.S. Senator Grassley and
Congressman Braley, the City was awarded a $950,000 appropriation as part of the
Omnibus Bill.
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As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the City and County
have committed all of the local transportation funding, $2.9 million, for the completion of
the Southwest Arterial. On April 6, 2009, the City of Dubuque officially informed the
Iowa DOT of the City's intention to appropriate all of the local transportation funding
distribution as part of the ARRA funding for the acquisition of right -of -way property for
the Southwest Arterial project.
The following table summarizes the appropriated federal funding to -date for the Iowa
Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial) project.
Federal Funding
Status
Amount
SAFETEA - LU ($26,180,000 Appropriation)
Committed
$ 23,582,825
Technical Corrections Bill - US20 Mississippi Bridge
SAFETEA -LU $5,500,000 transferred to SW Arterial
Committed
$ 4,973,375
FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act
Committed
$ 950,000
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
Committed
$ 2,909,534
Total Federal Funding:
$ 32,805,334
* After SAFETEA -LU obligation limitations applied
The City of Dubuque and Dubuque County in partnership with U.S. Senator Harkin, U.S.
Senator Grassley and Congressman Braley have submitted an FY2010 Transportation
Appropriation Request in the amount of $2 million which will be used to complete the
final engineering design phase, complete the property acquisition process, and to
complete the archaeological and cultural resource phase III mitigation work. Future
requested funds will be used for construction of the project.
State of Iowa Funding
At the June 9, 2009 Iowa Department of Transportation Commission Meeting, the
Commission approved the upcoming Iowa 5 -Year Highway Transportation Improvement
Program which included $17.76 Million in funding programmed for the Southwest
Arterial Interchange at US Highway 20 and Seippel Road.
State Funding
Status
Amount
5 -Year Highway Transportation Improvement Program
Committed
$ 17,760,000
Total State Funding:
$ 17,760,000
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Local Funding
The Iowa DOT Commission has challenged both the City and County to provide a local
financial commitment and seek local funding for this project and pursue all viable
options to fund the shortfall. The City and County have met the challenge and have
identified $15.8 million in local funds that could be used as matching cost for current
and future federal funding appropriations. The Southwest Arterial project continues to
be a top priority; therefore, other funding strategies are being evaluated to ensure that
this project moves forward.
The Southwest Arterial project has been part of the State TIP for the past ten years and
continues to be because the local Metropolitan Planning Organization, DMATS, has
committed $5.4 million in Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds and dedicated
local Enhancement funds of approximately $550,000 through 2013 for the project.
The City has allocated the use of DMATS STP funding on eligible City street
construction and traffic capacity / safety related improvement projects that will allow
local funds to be transferred to the Southwest Arterial Project and used as matching
cost for the federal funds. Staff has identified approximately $4.6 million in local project
funds that could be shifted using DMATS STP funds that would allow the leveraging of
approximately $18.4 million in federal dollars.
With the passage of a funding mechanism for TIME -21, the City and the County have
agreed to dedicate their revenues as local matching dollars to leverage the expenditure
of Federal funds. Based on preliminary projections, the City and County could receive
approximately $4.9 million over the next six years, which would allow the leveraging of
approximately $19.6 million in federal dollars.
On May 14, 2009, Governor Chet Culver signed the $715 million Iowa Jobs (I -JOBS)
Program into law. Based on the funding distribution, the City will receive an
appropriation in the amount of $558,967. On May 18, 2009, the City Council approved
the commitment of all I -JOBS funding to the Southwest Arterial project.
The following table summarizes the local funding appropriated to -date for the Southwest
Arterial project.
Local Funding
Status
Amount
DMATS STP Funds
Committed
$ 5,400,000
DMATS Enhancement Funds
Committed
$ 550,000
City - Capital Improvement Funding (2009 - 2014)
Committed
$ 4,600,000
TIME -21 Funding (City/County Allocation)
Committed
$ 4,700,000
I -JOBS Funding (City Allocation)
Committed
$ 558,967
Total Local Funding:
$ 15,808,967
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Future Funding Initiatives
The City requests any additional financial assistance that can be provided on the federal
level, as well as supporting of transferring the remaining unused Federal appropriated
SAFETEA -LU funds ($20 million) from the U.S. Highway 20 /Julien Dubuque Bridge
project to the Southwest Arterial.
Intermodal Center
The City of Dubuque seeks funding in order to construct a Downtown Intermodal
Transportation Center in the Historic Millwork District. The project cost estimate is in
the range of $25 million. Similar projects in Iowa have been funded for the Near
Southside Transportation Center Intermodal Facility in Iowa City, Iowa and for the UNI
Multi -modal project in Waterloo.
The downtown, Port of Dubuque and Historic Millwork areas have supported
tremendous commercial growth over the last decade including grand tourist attractions
and festivals in the revitalized Port area: new local, regional, and national businesses in
downtown; and the restoration and revitalization of previously dormant historic buildings.
The net result is the generation of an active multifaceted district for working, living and
playing. The area has evolved from the traditional nine -to -five central business district
into a vibrant and lively activity center. This rapid evolution has created public concerns
about transportation and parking capacity. Construction of an Intermodal
Transportation Center would be a strategic use of the limited acreage available that
would incorporate smart growth principles to limit the number of parking surfaces and
preserve as much land as possible for strategic urban development consistent with the
rest of the downtown area.
The Transportation Center project will include a parking and transit component and
would integrate a concrete parking structure containing approximately 500 parking stalls
with the bus terminal, a bus garage and a rail platform.. The proposed center will be
located adjacent to a rail spur in the Historic Millwork District and will serve as a
connecting tourist commuter train line along the Mississippi River. The City is working
with the Iowa DOT, the Illinois DOT, and Amtrak to secure daily passenger service from
Chicago to Dubuque. The parking facility will accommodate park- and -ride and general
parking users through hourly, daily and monthly revenues. The bus operation provides
pick -up and drop -off of public and private bus service including a recently deployed
trolley shuttle service between the downtown and the Port of Dubuque, The Jule
(formally Keyline) fixed route service, RTA, interstate charters and local taxi cab and
tour operators.
Plans include construction of a transit station and the project is part of the metropolitan
area long -range transportation plan. Some environmental assessments have been
completed and others are a part of the current study.
The City hired a consultant to do preliminary design of the center which will be
completed by January of 2012. This work will be funded by state and federal funds that
have been set aside for this purpose.
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This project is eligible for 80% (in the range of $16 -20 million) federal funding and the City
of Dubuque is seeking support of the Congressional delegation in securing those funds.
In October 2011, the FTA announced an $8 million State of Good Repair Grant to fund
Phase I of the Intermodal Project, which will include the bus terminal, the rail platform and
Phase I parking structure. The City will provide a 20% local match of approximately $3.5
million. Funding is still needed for the second half of the project which includes a bus
garage to replace the current facility which is over 100 years old and an additional parking
structure. This building has many deficiencies and was not built to accommodate today's
transit fleet.
Amtrak Funding
Vision
To return commuter rail service between the City of Dubuque and the Chicago area.
History
In 2005, under the leadership of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, and
the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce discussion began on how to engage tri -state
area citizens in a community visioning process. A Selection Committee was formed to
coordinate this community -wide effort in developing a variety of ideas for the future of
greater Dubuque and facilitate Envision 2010: Ten Community Projects by 2010.
Although Dubuque is relatively homogeneous, every effort was made to achieve
diversity on the Selection Committee by age, gender, race, ability, and disability. After
the Selection Committee chose 100 ideas, the community came together again to
participate in a town meeting where citizens voted for their preferred choices and
narrowed the list to 30 ideas. The Selection Committee then narrowed the list to 10
high - impact ideas for greater Dubuque. Having commuter rail service between
Dubuque and Chicago is one of the top ten final ideas from the Envision 2010.
Because it is one of the top ten Envision ideas, a Passenger Rail committee has been
created to ensure this vision becomes a reality.
In 2006, the Envision 2010 Passenger Rail committee in Dubuque, IA, joined the
Blackhawk Area Rail Coalition (BARC) in their endeavor to re- establish passenger rail
service from Chicago, Illinois to the city of Dubuque. BARC is an Illinois coalition
focused on getting rail service between Chicago, Galena and East Dubuque and is
working as a citizen's committee under the leadership of the Midwest High Speed Rail
Association. With the Association's guidance and directive, BARC has captured the
attention of the Illinois legislature and Amtrak in a positive manner.
Current Status
Commuter rail service ended in the Dubuque area in 1981. The Envision 2010 Rail
Committee views returning passenger rail to Dubuque from Chicago as an alternate
form of transportation and a major influence on the continued economic and tourism
growth of the Dubuque and surrounding area. With the assistance from the State of
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Illinois, a feasibility study conducted by Amtrak was recently updated with the study
focusing on the city of Dubuque as the final destination from Chicago. Amtrak has
expressed interest in Dubuque as a final destination point because of the riverfront
developments in the City. Dubuque would provide Amtrak a port of entry to Eastern and
central Iowa.
The Feasibility study outlines capital cost and infrastructure costs that include track,
station, platform and equipment for Amtrak service to Dubuque. The study also
provides ridership estimation, revenues and operating costs for the service.
The City of Dubuque, along with several other Iowa Communities, and the Iowa
Department of Transportation have established a working group to promote State
(IDOT) funding for Passenger rail service. The City has recently hired a consultant to
evaluate potential rail station sites in the Port of Dubuque and to prepare cost estimates
for the needed improvements.
The recent announcement (October 2011) of the State of Good Repair Grant will
provide some funding for the construction of a station and rail platform.
In addition, the Governor of Illinois has targeted $60 million to improve the tracks from
Chicago to Dubuque. In December 2010, Illinois also announced the specific route for
the track improvements from Chicago to Dubuque.
Challenges
The City and Dubuque Metropolitan Transportation Study (DMATS) continue to support
the return of Amtrak to Dubuque from Chicago. However, funding challenges exist for
providing rail improvements. Amtrak requires that the local community commit to
funding those costs. The consultant estimated the initial capital costs at $4 million.
The return of Amtrak to Dubuque could partner well with another of the City of
Dubuque's priorities, the planned intermodal center
We request the delegation's support in assisting with the return of Amtrak rail service to
Dubuque from Chicago by providing funding to assist with the infrastructure
improvements such as track improvements..
Canadian Pacific Railway Company — Control — DM &E Railroad
On September 30, 2008, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) approved the
acquisition of the Dakota, Minnesota, and Eastern Railroad (DM &E) by the Canadian
Pacific Railway (CP). The requirement of conducting environmental impact studies and
providing any necessary mitigation prior to building in to the Wyoming Powder River
Basin (PRB) was passed from the DM &E to the CP.
Overpasses Required for City as a Result of Increased Rail Traffic
The City is concerned that if the CP decides to build into the PRB rail traffic will
increase exponentially. The existing at -grade railroad crossings will be blocked
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more often and for longer periods of time, thus reducing public safety by
eliminating uninterrupted emergency response routes. The City's east - west
vehicular traffic corridors will be essentially crippled. As a result, the City
requests that the impacts be mitigated by mandating that the CP be required to
construct elevated structure overpasses at 16th Street, to provide access to the
Kerper Industrial Park, and at Charter Street, to provide access to the Port of
Dubuque developed area. Based on the findings of the mandated Environmental
Impact Study, other elevated structure overpasses may also be required within
the City.
Capacity Improvements - U.S. Highway 20
The U.S. Hwy 20 /Julien Dubuque Bridge spans the Mississippi River and provides one
eastbound and one westbound lane of traffic. On either side of the river, the highway
immediately expands to four or more lanes. The result is a bottleneck in traffic on both
sides of the bridge. This link is part of an east -west connection between Dubuque and
other communities. To the east: Galena, III.; Rockford, III.; and Chicago. To the west:
Waterloo, Iowa and the 1 -35 interchange. The U.S. Hwy 20 Project has been a very
high priority with the City Council and the Metropolitan Planning Organization, DMATS.
The City of Dubuque truly appreciates the $35 million federal commitment obtained by
Congressman Nussle in 1998, which has allowed the Mississippi River Bridge
component of this project to complete Environmental Assessment, Location Alignment,
Preliminary & Final Design and R.O.W Acquisition. Right -of -way acquisition is complete
on the Iowa side ($6.5 Million). Right -of -way acquisition is ongoing on the Illinois side
($5 Million Est.).
The Iowa Department of Transportation selected the firm of Parsons of Chicago, Illinois,
in conjunction with WHKS of Dubuque, to complete the preliminary and final design of
the bridge crossing, roadway approaches, and landscape improvements.
Realizing that the State of Illinois has no commitment with the next ten years to the
Mississippi River Bridge expansion part of this project, the Technical Corrections Bill
was passed which authorized $5.5 million in unused SAFETEA -LU grant funding for the
U.S. Hwy 20 /Julien Dubuque Bridge to be transferred of the Iowa Highway 32
(Southwest Arterial) project. The City extends its sincere appreciation for all the hard
work and support in getting the Technical Corrections Bill approved.
The Iowa Department of Transportation has informed the City that they anticipate there
will be a $20 million surplus in the SAFETEA -LU grant funding for the U.S. Hwy
20 /Julien Dubuque Bridge and as a result the City requests the support of our federal
partners in the transfer of unused SAFETEA -LU funding to the Southwest Arterial
project.
The City supports the 4- laning of Highway 20 to Chicago.
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Dubuque Regional Airport
Our primary objective is to get a multiyear AIP funding Bill in place. The House and
Senate both need to take action to develop a bill that focuses on airports, air traffic
control services, and modernization in order for airports and the FAA to properly
implement their capital projects.
The Airport Commission and Dubuque City Council adopted a new Master Plan in 2005
which identified $74,644,846 in near and long term improvement needs. Our immediate
attention is focused on a new terminal facility. We estimate that $39,882,532 will be
required to design the facility, construct the building and the ancillary taxiways, roadway
access, and vehicle parking lots. We plan to utilize all available funds to finance this
project. The single largest source of project funding is AIP entitlement and discretionary
grants from the Federal Aviation Administration. If construction of this critical project is
delayed in 2011, the total project cost will increase by approximately $940,000.
With the expiration of VISION 100 at the end of fiscal year 2007, aviation programs
which set spending levels for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), Essential Air
Service, Small Community Development Grants, Facilities and Equipment, and other
programs that develop and maintain facilities at airports around the country are
attempting to function on continuing resolutions. Also expired is the funding mechanism
for the Airway and Airport Trust Fund, so reauthorization discussions must include
debate over funding mechanisms for the trust fund. We are currently on our 22nd
continuing resolution and this is proving unworkable in supporting our capital program.
Vision 100, had provided the needed federal aviation funding for the years 2004 -2007
and had worked well for the Dubuque Regional Airport. We would like to see the
following components and modifications of that program remain in place:
The AIP program has played a significant role in maintaining and enhancing the safety
and growth of the air transportation system through funding a wide range of airside
projects at airports. The Dubuque Regional Airport supports full funding of the AIP
program at $3.8 billion, increasing each year by $100 million.
Other key issues under discussion will include the length of reauthorization, local match
requirements, the level of general fund contributions to cover FAA operations, and the
long- needed modernization of the national airspace system.
At a minimum, federal reauthorization of aviation programs should include:
1. A five year reauthorization period.
2. Full funding of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) starting at $3.8B annually with
$100M increases every year throughout the reauthorization period.
3. Maintaining non -hub primary entitlements within the AIP program at 95 %.
Federal 5% local match.
4. Maintaining the current fuel and ticket tax structure.
5. Full funding of the Small Community Air Service Grant program.
6. Fund the Contract Tower Program.
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7. Authorize AIP funds to be used to develop revenue generating facilities at non -
hub airports.
8. Increase the Passenger Facility collection level to $7.50 and index it to inflation.
Contract Tower Funding:
Following the 1981 PATCO strike, the Reagan Administration implemented a gradual
privatization of Air Traffic Control Towers. This has been rather successful. The
Dubuque tower is operated by a private firm on contract with the Federal Aviation
Administration. Continued funding is always in question. Dubuque has the 3rd busiest
airport in Iowa. Safety and common sense dictates continued funding of the contract
tower program or restoration of FAA staffing. If the community had to fund the tower,
the costs are estimated in excess of $ 700,000 annually.
Passenger Facility Charges:
The current collection amount of $4.50 per enplaned passenger is not indexed to
inflation and restricts the amount of money collected for large capital projects. Since the
PFC came into existence in 1990, it has had only 1 increase to its current amount.
Increasing the PFC to $7.50 and indexing it to inflation would ensure long term funding
viability for even the smallest of commercial service airports. Allowing these funds to be
used for revenue generating items like parking lots, airline offices, etc. would
significantly reduce the impact on smaller airports and their sponsors.
Air Service Development Program:
The Department of Transportation manages the Small Community Air Service
Development Program Grant. This grant helps small and non -hub airports with
monetary support of airline recruitment endeavors. The Department of Transportation's
grant application has very restrictive guidelines, which limit airport participation to one-
time projects. If those methods work to attract one carrier, you may not seek a grant to
offer the same incentives to another carrier. Eliminating that restriction would allow
communities to implement previously viable methods for recruiting new /expanded air
service.
We will continue to submit grant applications for funding of air service initiatives to our
community. In 2011, our focus is to expand our air service with increased marketing
and local emphasis on our existing air carrier and have been fortunate to have been
awarded with a $500,000 Small Community Air Service grant from the USDOT.
Terminal Facility_
The existing terminal building is significantly undersized to meet future passenger
demands. With the added requirements of security, the existing space is not large
enough to efficiently handle current peak passenger loads.
The Master Plan identified a new location for a modern Airline Terminal. This facility will
be centrally located between the two primary runways separate from general aviation
activities. Construction of infrastructure will include new parking lots, entry roadways,
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taxiways, aircraft parking apron, and a new passenger terminal. The land for this
expansion was acquired in 2009.
Upon completion of land acquisition, preliminary design services began in 2010. Based
on a total project cost of $39,882,532, approximately $35,399,425 of funding for this
critical project will come from the Federal Aviation Administration via Airport
Improvement Program (AIP) entitlement and discretionary grants.
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2. BEE BRANCH WATERSHED FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT
Purpose: To limit flooding in low /moderate income neighborhoods.
In 1999, an unusually intense spring storm deluged Dubuque with rainfall. The storm
produced in excess of four feet of storm water in city streets and five feet of storm water
in basements, and resulted in a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Dubuque County.
Flood damage devastated hundreds of homes in the City of Dubuque. At the time of the
flood, the City was in the process of developing a Drainage Basin Master Plan (DBMP).
On July 23, 2001, the DBMP was presented to City Council. It outlined the problem and
identified several improvements to address the flooding problem.
Dubuque's solution for solving the Bee Branch watershed storm water problems
consists of three projects - two detention basins and a mile long open waterway. The
City completed the $1,100,000 Carter Road Detention Basin in 2003.and the
$4,000,000 W. 32nd Street Detention Basin in 2009. The third project in the Bee Branch
Creek Restoration Project involves the day lighting and restoration of over 4,500 feet of
buried creek. It will re- introduce the confined Bee Branch Creek to the North End
Neighborhood. Once it is complete, 1,000 homes will benefit from flood protection that
meets today's design standards for storm water management.
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and electrical boxes. Nowhere else does basement flooding endanger the lives of our
fellow citizens. That is why the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is one of the City
Council's top priorities.
The project will be done in two phases. Construction of the first phase, the Lower Bee
Branch Creek Restoration Project began in the fall of 2010. At a cost of $10.8 million
construction is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 201. Construction of the second
phase, or Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration project is scheduled to start in the fall of
2011 at an estimated cost of $31.9 million. The City has established a storm water
utility, and therefore the local match is available for this project.
Shown below is the City's vision for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project.
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Transportation Funding for Bike /Hike Trails, Safe Routes to Schools, and
Complete Streets
In the early 1990, congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation began
promoting a more balanced transportation system as a way to improve quality of life.
Unlike previous federal transportation legislation that strongly favored investment in
highway infrastructure, this new transportation bill encouraged investment in multiple
modes of transportation, such as mass transit and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
One of the key elements of this multi -modal approach is Transportation Enhancements
which requires states to set aside approximately 10% of their federal -aid highway
allocations for non - traditional activities that enhance the community benefits of
transportation investments. All of the twelve approved Transportation Enhancements
activities for surface transportation support sustainable and livable community goals.
The City of Dubuque is an active participant in long range planning for a
comprehensive bike /hike trail system that will provide multi -modal transportation for the
Dubuque metro area. The Tri -State Area Integrated Walking, Biking, Hiking Network
Plan calls for a bike /hike network to encourage recreation and wellness, provide safe
routes to schools, and promote alternative modes of transportation to help reduce air
pollution and roadway congestion. . Completion of the bike /hike trail system will add to
the region's reputation as a tourist destination for both the State of Iowa and the tri -state
area.
The 26 -mile Dubuque County Heritage Trail and the City of Dubuque's 29 -mile Heritage
Trail Extension are part of the backbone system of the State Recreational Trail Plan.
The City's Heritage Trail system is part of the designated route for the Mississippi River
Trail (MRT) through Iowa. The MRT is a 2,000 -mile bike trail system being developed
through the river cities and river landscapes in the ten states along the Mississippi River
from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.
The City has a long- standing commitment to a citywide bike /hike network that is
accessible to all segments of the general population, including minorities, the elderly,
and persons with disabilities. This commitment is exemplified by the City's adoption of
a Complete Streets Policy.
The adopted Complete Streets Policy for the City of Dubuque provides an integrated
multimodal approach to roadway planning and design and will further Dubuque's
commitment to sustainability. The Policy establishes that development of as many
street projects as possible will be done in an affordable, balanced, responsible and
equitable way that accommodates and encourages travel by motorists, bicyclists, public
transit vehicles and their passengers, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.
The benefits of Complete Streets are that they increase the capacity and efficiency of
the road network, reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility options, limit greenhouse
gas emissions and improve the general quality of life. Promoting pedestrian, bicycle
and public transportation travel as an alternative to the automobile reduces negative
environmental impacts, promotes healthy living and is less costly to the commuter.
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The City of Dubuque seeks to build on these benefits to more children walking and
bicycling to schools, and is actively implementing the area's Safe - Routes to Schools
Plan. The purposes of the Safe Routes to School program and funding are 1) to enable
and encourage children, including those with disabilities to walk and bicycle to school.2)
to make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation
alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age, and 3)
to facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that
will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution in the vicinity of
schools.
Transportation Enhancements Funding
The City of Dubuque supports the reauthorization of the transportation bill that will
protect and maintain the Transportation Enhancements program. In almost twenty
years, the Transportation Enhancements program has funded 23,000 projects* that
strengthen the links among historic preservation, smart growth, transit - oriented design
and infrastructure investment and enhance the quality of life for communities for cities
like Dubuque and non - profit organizations such as the National Mississippi River
Museum & Aquarium
*Source: National Trust for Historic Preservation Website
Historic Preservation Funding
The City of Dubuque supports substantial increases to historic preservation funding,
including the restoration of Save America's Treasures (SAT) and Preserve America
(PA) funding — which were eliminated by Congress in FY11.
Save America's Treasures is a competitive grant program that has provided critical
funding for federal and private partnerships that have been instrumental in preserving
historic resources like the Shot Tower and William M. Black Steam Dredge in Dubuque.
In 2004, Dubuque was designated as Iowa's first Preserve America community.
The Preserve America program recognizes communities that protect and celebrate their
heritage, use their historic assets for economic development and community
revitalization, and encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic
resources through education and heritage tourism programs. As the first Preserve
America community designated in Iowa, Dubuque has leveraged private, state and local
funds with Preserve America grants at the National Mississippi River Museum and
Aquarium and the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain State Recreation
Area to create heritage tourism improvements that benefit residents and visitors alike.
Livable Community Initiatives
The City of Dubuque supports federal legislation to integrate comprehensive planning
efforts with livable community initiatives that take into account sustainability and Smart
Growth principles, enabling us to rebuild the economy while strengthening our
communities — as articulated in the following federal legislative priorities of the American
Planning Association (APA).
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Improve government efficiency by expand place based strategies and eliminating
barriers to integrated, comprehensive planning and investment.
Federal policy and investment creates powerful incentives for growth and development.
These policies should include a focus on encouraging location and energy efficiency
that link to locally adopted comprehensive plans. Support efforts to better integrate
planning requirements for housing, transportation and the environment. HUD, DOT and
EPA should be encouraged to continue efforts to eliminate barriers to effective
coordination of federal programs and resources at the local and regional level.
Expanding place -based strategies can maximize the impact of federal investment in
communities. Legislative opportunities:FY2012: Appropriations, Administrative actions
through Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities; Authorization for
Sustainable Communities Programs (Livable Communities Act).
Support regional and community sustainability planning
Innovative approaches to regional planning can create a vital framework for better
investment decisions driven by performance measures. These efforts can improve
coordination among agencies and increase local economic competitiveness. Support
authorizing and funding new planning and sustainability initiatives and incorporating
support for planning into infrastructure and community development programs.
Legislative opportunities: FY2012 Appropriations for HUD Sustainability Grants;
Authorization for Sustainable Communities Programs; Transportation Authorization.
Reform tax policy to create communities of lasting value
Tax code reform should include support for strategic, sustainable development.
Incentives targeting investment in ways that maximize location and energy efficiency will
help communities leverage private capital and stimulate investment that meets market
demand, provides greater options for residents, and increases economic
competitiveness and quality of life. Legislative opportunities; Priority Zone Bonds or Tax
Incentives; Build America Bonds; Green Infrastructure Credits.
Respect local planning authority
Congress should continue to respect local planning and community safeguards by
rejecting any efforts to impose regulatory takings initiatives standards that increase
lawsuits and undermine locally- adopted plans. Federal policy should respect and
appropriately engage local decision makers in the sitting of energy and
telecommunications facilities.
Promote planning that meets the nation's new energy needs and advances the
growth of a green economy.
Energy policy is a critical part of building the economic competitiveness and resilience
of the nation's communities. Reducing energy use and reliance on foreign energy
sources requires addressing the design of communities, transportation networks and
buildings. Federal policy and programs should support the development of "green"
communities. Good planning will be required to achieve a variety of important energy
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goals from expanding domestic renewable to decreasing energy consumption in the
build environment. Federal policy should support improving planning for the expansion
of renewable energy, the development of green communities, and mitigation of
greenhouse gas emissions. Legislative opportunities: Energy legislation; GREEN Act
Tax Reform
Enact farm and food legislation that supports planning for sustainable food
systems and economic development in small towns and rural regions
The Farm Bill offers an important opportunity to improve planning for a healthy
sustainable food system and build the economies of rural communities. New policy
responses not only help address challenges such as access to fresh food but also
provide needed resources that support and empower communities, rural and urban
alike. Legislative opportunities: Farm Bill; Healthy Food Finance Legislation; FY2012
Appropriations.
Meet the nation's growing infrastructure investment needs
Funding for the nation's infrastructure is critical to both economic recovery and long-
term competitiveness. Congress should support new infrastructure investment that
Supports local communities and base new investment on a planning process that is
strategic, comprehensive and tied to performance. The next transportation
authorization should be based on empowering metropolitan regions; supporting
integrated planning for sustainable communities; promoting economic growth,
competitiveness and resiliency; fostering location - efficient decisions; creating safe,
secure and accessible communities for everyone; and expanding funding sources to
meet transportation needs in ways that are flexible and performance- driven. Legislative
opportunities: Surface Transportation Authorization; Infrastructure Bank or TIFIA
Expansion; WRDA or other water infrastructure legislation.
Ensure that communities can adequately plan for future needs by providing high
quality data
Good information is the backbone of good planning. Federal data will inform an array of
local planning decisions from identifying hazard zones to mitigating climate change
impacts. Federal data programs providing information to local governments in agencies
such as the Census Bureau, NOAA, USGS and USDOT, should be strengthened and
programs improved to better meet the needs of local users. Legislative opportunities:
Census Bureau reform; FY2012 appropriations.
Assist communities working to stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods
Many communities continue to struggle with housing and development challenges in
neighborhoods hard hit by the recession. Targeted federal programs can be a catalyst
for renewed investment and help communities lay the foundation for rebuilding local
economies by supporting strategic planning initiatives. Particular support and technical
assistance should be focused on "cities in transition" communities facing systemic long-
term economic challenges. Federal policy should help stabilize neighborhoods hit hard
by the recession, support programs that assist in neighborhood revitalization and
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economic development, improve vital housing programs that provide choice and
affordability. Legislative opportunities: CDBG Funding; GSE reform; Choice
Neighborhoods; Community Regeneration; Sustainability and Innovation Act; FY2012
Appropriations.
Advance the development of healthy, safe and active communities
Federal policy should support the development and planning of communities that
promote active, healthy living. Federal support for parks, recreation and transportation
enhancements should be expanded. Support for creating a built environment that
promotes healthy and active living should be incorporated into federal transportation,
housing, health and food programs. Transportation policy should support standards
that accommodate all users. Legislative opportunities: Complete Streets;
Transportation authorization; Farm Bill.
*Source: APA website
3. HISTORIC MILLWORK DISTRICT
Dubuque's Historic Millwork District is a major community revitalization effort to create
an urban mixed -use neighborhood in a 17 -block area adjacent to downtown Dubuque.
The area has 28 historic buildings that were constructed prior to 1935 and were once
part of two major millworking businesses that made Dubuque the largest millworking
operation in the United States during the 1920's. Most of the millworking industry has
left the area leaving approximately one million square feet of underutilized space.
The revitalization of the Historic Millwork District has become a top priority for the
Dubuque City Council as it is being designed to address the issues of sustainability,
workforce and economic development, historic preservation, and arts and culture. The
revitalization of this District will also help the City address the critical shortage of rental
residential units. The following is a discussion of how the Historic Millwork District
revitalization will become a model to address these issues.
Sustainability_
A paradigm shift is occurring where the environment is becoming a more significant
consideration in community development. The City of Dubuque has adopted a
sustainability policy focusing on the three elements of Sustainability; Environmental and
Ecological Integrity, Economic Prosperity, and Social and Cultural Vibrancy. The City
believes that development in Dubuque should achieve all three elements to ensure that
the future of Dubuque is viable, livable, and equitable for all.
This project will be utilizing the existing built infrastructure (i.e. the buildings and non -
obsolete utilities) as opposed to building new buildings on the outskirts of town or
tearing down these functionally obsolete buildings and dumping the materials in the
landfill. The Historic Millwork District buildings have great value in their embodied
energy, or the energy invested in the construction materials and that energy should be
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conserved. These buildings have historical character, have years of useful life and
should be redeveloped to provide a place for Dubuque to grow without sprawling into
our agricultural resources. These buildings also have access to existing utilities and
public infrastructure decreasing the negative impact on the City's services.
Several components of the Historic Millwork District revitalization will positively address
environmental impact this area will have. The district is being designed to take
innovative resource management approaches to water including; green roofs,
permeable paving on city streets, rain gardens to encourage infiltration, and grey water
systems for the landscape watering and other non potable water uses (i.e. toilets).
Workforce and Economic Development:
Iowa and particularly Dubuque, has experienced a "brain drain" of human talent leaving
the state. One major reason for this is the lack of an urban sense of place that young
professionals seek early in their lives. The Historic Millwork District will be an urban
lifestyle center where a person can live, work, and recreate all within a relatively close
proximity. This District will provide a great marketing tool to recruit and retain young
professionals.
Urban unique neighborhoods attract creative industries promoting economic
development and this is already being seen in the Historic Millwork District. A marketing
firm and several technology companies have committed to the area and more will do the
same when the infrastructure and environmental issues are addressed. The U.S.
economy will continue to be the location for these creative industries and it is important
to create an atmosphere where they can thrive and grow.
In January 2009, IBM announced the creation of 1,300 new I.T. jobs in downtown
Dubuque. This announcement has caused a significant demand for downtown living
options from new residents preferring to live near work and entertainment opportunities.
A recent economic study of housing in the City of Dubuque has shown unmet demand
for this housing type.
A key component to creating an urban neighborhood in small metro areas is to have
rental housing available at lease rates which can be achieved by residents that have
incomes near the area's median income level. The Historic Millwork District
rehabilitation requires significant expense and without financial assistance to keep lease
rates affordable, the average earner will not be able to live there and the developer will
have trouble filling the apartments.
Historic Preservation:
There are 28 buildings in the District. The core of the Historic Millwork District is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. The City and its partners believe it is
important to save these historic buildings that tell the development history of Dubuque.
As a part of the redevelopment, we intend to create a "living museum" in the district so
when people are walking and enjoying this unique, sustainable, and creative place, they
will also be exposed to the history of the area. This will be accomplished by utilizing
complete streets" concepts and installing information stations that tell the story of the
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buildings; who owned these buildings, what they were used for, and how the products
that were created here were produced.
In February 2010, the HFWA announced a TIGER Grant to the City for $5.6 million to
fund complete streets and infrastructure on the Millwork District. The City approved a
contract with HFWA for this grant funding in November 2010. Eighty percent of the
project is complete.
In 2010 a $8.9 million in CDBG grant awards to the CARADCO building project which is
currently under reconstruction with completion slated for August 2012. This building will
feature affordable workforce housing rental units, non — profit space, and commercial
retail including a local food cooperative.
Arts & Culture:
The redevelopment of the Historic Millwork District is a priority for the City and at its
core is the arts. The Arts and Culture community has embraced this area and want to
create an environment where the arts are created and celebrated. Several art shows
already utilize the space and a non - profit art center will be moving to the area providing
opportunities for disadvantaged children to be exposed to creating art. The district also
contains several creative businesses. The arts play a large role in creating an inviting
atmosphere for residents and businesses to thrive. This district will be a regional arts
hub spurring recruitment of a creative workforce and contributing significantly to the
livability and quality of life for our citizens.
In partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the major
building owners, the City, and other community organizations, a Master Plan for the
District was adopted in February 2009. It provides specifics to achieve above issues
within the District.
In 2011, the City received a $100,000 Our Town grant from the National Endowment for
the Arts. The HMD Arts Project is a partnership between the City of Dubuque, Dubuque
Main Street Ltd., and several collaborating arts organizations. The HMD Arts Project
will help to design not - for - profit art space, new and expanded arts events in the Historic
Millwork District, and management of the emerging arts district. Significant funding
gaps remain and the City is also pursuing funding through the Arts Place Program.
The revitalization effort is estimated to be a $200 million project broken into phases.
The $200 million consists of improvements relating to the buildings, infrastructure, and
streetscape within the Historic Millwork District.
Ongoing economic development initiatives in the City of Dubuque, specifically
restoration and adaptive reuse of the constellation of buildings in the Historic Millwork
District (warehouse district) and other downtown buildings including the Roshek
Building, benefit from federal financing programs. Two in particular merit support from
our Federal representatives.
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New Markets Tax Credit Program
The New Markets Tax Credit program provides a potential financing tool for major
economic development projects in Dubuque including the Historic Millwork District
restoration and revitalization, the Dubuque Pack site redevelopment and the Briggs
project on the Fourth Street peninsula. Unfortunately, the program has not benefited
rural states and communities in the same manner it has benefited larger metro centers.
Expanding the program and helping to ensure it is accessible to smaller communities in
rural states would benefit the City of Dubuque and its partners in the private sector.
Additionally, the flexibility of the program is desirable, but its accompanying complexity
tends to increase legal, accounting, and CDE fees, since each project is unique and
thus requires extensive planning and oversight to achieve and maintain program
compliance. These increased fees reduce the amount of equity available for the
project, often rather significantly. Finding ways to streamline the program would benefit
projects and communities that make use of this funding tool.
Federal Historic Tax Credits
Historic Tax Credits at the state and federal level provide valuable financing tools for
expanded economic development in Dubuque. At the federal level of government we
support passage of the Community Restoration and Revitalization Act (H.R. 3715/S,
1743). This legislation is a package of amendments which would further the ability of
Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits to enhance investment in main street neighborhoods
and older urban neighborhood reinvestment.
The Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit is the nation's largest federal incentive promoting
urban and rural revitalization through private investment in reusing historic buildings.
The credit encourages reinvestment in downtowns, generates jobs, and is instrumental
in preserving the historic places that give cities, towns and rural areas their unique
character. The Community Restoration and Revitalization Act would make beneficial
changes to the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit and provide a greater incentive for the
reuse of older and historic buildings.
All of these measures in the bill would bring needed improvements, but the following
measures are of particular interest to Dubuque.
Raising the credit from 20% to 30% for projects with QREs under $5,000,000.
Raising the credit from 20% to 23 or 24% for projects reducing energy costs by
30 %+ during the 5 -year compliance period.
Redefining "old" buildings as those more than 50 -years old vs. the current 1936
standard.
Exempting the income from SHTCs from federal taxation.
Striking 3 of the 4 disqualified lease rules (all except the "sale leaseback ") from the
program.
Although the rehab credit is currently the nation's largest federal incentive for promoting
sustainable development through private investment, a greater potential for revitalizing
communities could be realized with the proposed amendments.
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Additionally, we support increasing federal tax credits from 20% to 40% for the first $5
million in expenditures for a project and to 26% for the remaining portion of a project.
Disaster Recovery Tax Credit
The City supports newly introduced legislation (HR 2901) to help rebuild Iowa
communities that have been damaged by natural disasters. The "Rebuilding
Communities Act" extends important tax breaks originally passed in 2008 as part of the
"Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act. Included in that legislation are provisions to give tax
credits to rehabilitate buildings in communities that were damaged or destroyed by
Midwest flooding - including Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Bloomfield,
Centerville, Corning and Des Moines. Under the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act, the
federal historic rehab tax credit was raised from 20% to 26% of qualified expenditures
for any certified historic structure and the non - historic rehabilitation credit was raised
from 10% to13% of qualified expenditures for other commercial buildings undergoing
rehabilitation. Currently, these tax breaks are set to expire on December 31, 2011. The
City of Dubuque supports extending the disaster recovery tax credit beyond 2011 and to
include other disasters that occurred in 2008. These tax breaks are critical for historic
communities to recover from natural disasters
*Source: National Trust for Historic Preservation Website
Buildings that have been impacted by flooding and other disasters have additional
expenses compared to other rehabilitation projects. The 6% boost in the credit provides
critical dollars to help restore our downtowns. Disaster recovery is a long -term process,
often taking decades; with the first three -year authorization scheduled to expire at the
end of this year, it is imperative that we protect and extend the 26% historic credit if we
want recovery to continue.
Smart Growth Workforce Housing Tax Credit
Smart Growth Workforce Housing is sustainable, transit - oriented housing that is
affordable for our workforce (earning 80% -120% area median income, or AMI). Our
community is in great need of this type of housing option, but it is not currently
financially feasible. Creating a federal Smart Growth Workforce Housing Tax Credit will
stabilize Dubuque's community, will prioritize environmentally - sustainable development,
and will promote economic development.
The use of the Low - Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program has become the
financial tool of choice for developers creating multi - family housing in all areas of the
United States. This program incents the development of housing for households
earning less than 60% AMI. It offsets the difference between development costs (which
are fairly constant in all areas) and attainable rent levels (which need to be affordable).
The LIHTC program, despite its benefits, is the proper tool only where more low- income
housing is needed. While striving to focus on sustainability and economic development,
communities and developers are now struggling to provide housing for our workforce
demographic. With the influx of professional employees to Dubuque this past year, our
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need to provide housing for this demographic has suddenly and drastically increased
and is directly related to the retention of these jobs.
According to current income levels, Dubuque's workforce households can afford rents
between $650 and $950. But due to construction costs, newly- produced units in our
community are charging $900 to $1,500. This places a significant cost burden on our
working households. It also puts developers at risk; as supply and demand for housing
balances out in the coming years, there is no guarantee that they will be able to
continue to command these higher rent levels.
The solution is to create an incentive program that allows developers to provide quality
housing at prices that our workforce can afford.
A Smart Growth Workforce Housing Tax Credit program could closely mirror much of
the LIHTC program's structure, with credits being organized through State housing
finance agencies and having income and rent restrictions during the compliance period.
However, the credit would include modifications to ensure the housing follows smart
growth principles, fulfills a community's housing need, and is available to workforce
households.
Dubuque supports the creation of such a program and looks forward to working with our
elected officials and their staff to craft this solution.
In summary, the City of Dubuque supports:
• Historic Tax Credit program and full permanent funding for Historic
Preservation Fund.
• Extension of the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008, which will
expire December 31st 2011.
• Elimination of federal tax liability on SHTC income
• Creation of a Smart Growth Workforce Housing Tax Credit
• Streamlining the New Market Tax Credit program
• Full compatibility of federal Historic Tax Credits with federal Consumer
Energy Efficiency Tax Credits
4. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY INITIATIVE - SUSTAINABILITY AND
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The City of Dubuque identified Sustainable City designation as one of its top priorities in
2006. Since then, multiple strategies and practices have been implemented to make
Dubuque a more sustainable community. The City is a member of Climate
Communities and ICLEI — Local Governments for Sustainability, and joins all of its
members in supporting local government action on climate change as essential for
America to achieve energy independence, renew economic prosperity and preserve
biodiversity Federal policies must empower local governments with the tools and
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resources to respond to the climate challenge. We request your support in achieving
the following goals of the Climate Action Blueprint.
Enact an economic recovery policy that creates green jobs by:
Enact a national climate policy that:
• Invests the proceeds from carbon trading into local government actions that reduce
emissions through green buildings; transit, smart growth complete streets and other
VMT reduction strategies; green local fleets and fuels; renewable energy; including
anaerobic digestion green infrastructure; and reuse, recycling and composting
green jobs and businesses.
Implement clean energy policies that:
• Reduce building energy use by 30 percent by 2025 by establishing national building
efficiency targets and providing annual funding to help local governments meet or
exceed the national targets; and
• Produce 25 percent of the nation's power from renewable energy by 2025 through
renewable portfolio standards, and measures to overcome interconnection and rate
barriers to community -scale renewables.
Invest in local climate capacity through annual federal appropriations that:
• Fully fund the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants at $2 billion annually;
• Provide $250 million annually for EPA Local Climate Demonstration Grants;
• Provide $400 million annually for the DOE Clean Cities program to support low
emission vehicles and cleaner fuels including alternative fuels infrastructure and plug -
in hybrid vehicles; and
• Provide $100 million annually for the Forest Service's Urban and Community
Forestry Program
Transform the nation's transportation strategy by:
• Substantially increasing federal resources for public transit;
• Supporting local initiatives to reduce vehicle- dependence and use including resources
for smart growth and transit - oriented development, VMT reduction planning and
implementation, walk ability programs, bikeways and greenways, infill and brownfields
revitalization, and reuse of historic and existing buildings; and
• Funding low- emission busses, clean local fleets, and local alternative fuels
infrastructure.
Create American green jobs and green businesses by:
• Creating a $500 million "Climate Prosperity" demonstration grant program that directs
Economic Development Administration, HUD, Small Business Administration, and
USDA Rural Development funding to support local economic development strategies
that produce green businesses and green jobs; especially by converting currently
wasted materials being land filled to beneficial use through recycling composting and
anaerobic digestion.
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• Fully funding the Green Jobs Act of 2007 at $125 million annually to support worker
training in emerging manufacturing and hi -tech sectors; and
• Creating an "Energy Conservation Corps" service program to empower young
Americans to be part of new clean energy solutions.
Build self - reliant communities that are prepared for climate impacts by:
• Creating a federal interagency task force on Climate Resiliency and Community
Preparedness to produce a federal action plan for (a) national research and
development; (b) local technical assistance; and (c) new protocols for
intergovernmental collaboration at local, state, regional and federal levels;
• Expanding the FEMA Pre - Disaster Mitigation program to $500 million annually to
support local government initiatives to address climate impacts;
• Expanding NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Act and climate programs to directly
support local climate adaptation planning and implementation; and
• Fostering and funding local efforts to support families and populations most vulnerable
to climate impacts. Including infrastructure improvements for local food production
processing and marketing
HUD Energy Action Plan
The City of Dubuque Housing & Community Development Department Energy Program
can help stretch the value of HUD and other funds by encouraging energy efficiency
during renovation projects. Ensuring energy efficiency will maximize the value of
CDBG, HOME, HOPE, and other HUD funds. This is especially important to the
Dubuque community as there is a higher percentage of older, energy - inefficient housing
stock.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with the Department of Energy
(DOE) in this Partnership to expand efforts to promote ENERGY STAR products and
appliances. ENERGY STAR is a government- backed program that helps businesses
and individuals identify energy efficient products, appliances, and homes to protect the
environment and save energy. As a key part of this initiative, HUD, DOE, and EPA are
teaming up to grow Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, a whole house retrofit
program to provides technical assistance to local programs that promote wise home
energy use; in turn reducing the community's energy intensity and decrease
greenhouse gas emissions.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) developed the HUD
Department -Wide Energy Action Plan, which was approved in April 2002. The HUD
Energy Action Plan implementation is aimed at reducing HUD's $4 billion "energy bill"
by promoting energy efficiency in approximately five million units assisted, insured, or
financed by HUD. The Energy Action Plan includes 21 measures aimed at upgrading
the energy efficiency of existing and new housing, using an established inventory of
proven energy- efficient products and appliances that can be put to work immediately
through existing programs.
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5. YOUTHBUILD
An important component of Dubuque's sustainability initiative emphasizes restoring
people. The well - established HEART program helps us to meet this goal, and is a vital
component of our workforce development initiatives and dedication to youth identified
through the community's Every Child, Every Promise initiative. HEART is changing the
lives of our community's youth by providing vocational construction training and
education through the complete rehabilitation of blighted properties in Dubuque. The
program teaches self - reliance and instills a strong sense of accomplishment, and
provides support for a segment of our population that would otherwise slip through the
cracks.
The City and its partners have applied for a Department of Labor grant in order to
expand HEART to become a YouthBuild program. This expansion would allow us to
serve a larger number of at -risk youth and greatly expand the number of services
offered to participants. The growth would also allow the program to revitalize more of
Dubuque's historic homes and fill a gap in affordable home ownership needs for
families. We appreciate the federal staffs support of the HEART program to date and
request your support of the YouthBuild application.
6. HOME DESIGNATION
Dubuque is the largest city in Iowa that is not a Participating Jurisdiction (PJ) for the
HOME program. In order to receive PJ status, Dubuque has to meet a $500,000
Congressional appropriations threshold. According to the HOME Program allocation
formula, Dubuque would have received $257,551 in 2008 as a PJ, leaving it $242,449
short of the $500,000. The City is requesting a one -time Congressional appropriation of
$242,449, to meet the $500,000 threshold.
After this and an IDED one -time appropriation, Dubuque would receive an annual
$250,000+ HOME grant, justifying the one -time additional public investment. The
HOME funds would essentially restore the shortfall created by a reduction in CDBG
funding, and allow us to deliver needed services and resources to our community and
economic development programs.
7. COMMUNICATIONS
As a member of the National League of Cities (NLC), the United States Conference of
Mayors, and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
(NATOA), the City of Dubuque joins these organizations in acknowledging that the
historic transformation of our communications infrastructure is essential to the economic
competitiveness of the local governments, states and the nation.
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Combined 911 Call and Emergency Operations Center
The need for a combined 911 Communications Center and Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) has been brought to the forefront of the public safety committee after
multiple recent events. The current communications center is undersized for the needs
of our increased population and calls for service. The center is unable to expand to
meet the increasing demands of the emergency calls and for future technologies. The
recent disasters that occurred in Dubuque County and the State of Iowa brought the
need for a dedicated emergency operations center to the forefront. The city and county
now use the classroom areas of the Dubuque County Firefighters Training Center which
is converted as needed to an EOC operation. An extended flooding event along the
Mississippi River or any other long term disaster would tax the resources of the city and
county and the current set up would hamper our response to disasters. We are
experiencing more major weather events and disasters and we have received seven
presidential disaster declarations in the past 12 years. Our 911 center needs to have
room available for expansion. A dedicated EOC will allow local government the ability
to enhance response and recovery operations following an event. It would also assist
us in preparing for planned events that overtax our response capabilities. The
estimated cost of a combined 911 Center /EOC is between 10 -12 million dollars.
Preserve local authority to manage public rights of way for the benefit of
everyone. Cable television and video franchise agreements are an essential part of
managing the rights of way and ensuring appropriate compensation for the benefit of
the public. These benefits include not only monetary payments, but also franchise
terms such as support for public, educational and governmental (PEG) access,
including institutional networks (I- Nets).
Protect local authority to establish taxes that are consistent with local needs and
maintain adequate revenue. Local governments recognize and support efforts to
modernize the collection and administration of local communications taxes, but in a
manner that preserves the ability of local government to impose and collect taxes to
fund vital services for its citizens consistent with local values.
Protect and enhance local ability to provide for homeland and hometown
security. Local government's first responders need fully deployed E911, access to
spectrum and funding for interoperable communications to protect the public.
Recognize local roles in promoting nondiscriminatory access to the full range of
communications services. Municipalities are helping to bring advanced services to
individuals and small businesses. Cities must have the autonomy necessary to
encourage competition and infrastructure deployment that will lower prices and improve
service quality for their citizens.
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Request of Congress
• Do not nationalize cable and video franchising.
• Protect local governments' ability to facilitate or offer advanced communications
services to their citizens
• Any changes to the collection and administration of communications taxes,
including extensions or modifications of the Internet Tax Freedom Act, must
preserve local authority to collect revenue consistent with local needs.
• Do not undermine or eliminate support for PEG access and I -Nets. Specifically
support Community Access Preservation (CAP) Act of 2009 (HR3745) by making
this a federal legislative priority
Local Government Principles for
Communications Policy Modernization
We believe that Congress and state and local governments can achieve these
goals by embracing the following principles:
• State and Local Authority
The City supports a balanced federalist approach that encourages new innovation and
technology while preserving appropriate authority for state and local governments to
protect their citizens — particularly in relation to public safety and homeland security,
promoting local competition, promoting economic development, taxation, expansion of
access to advanced networks, rights -of -way management, and consumer protection.
• Public Safety
State and local public safety agencies rely heavily on communications services and
systems to protect public safety. In order for states and localities to carry out this
mission, it is essential that important obligations, such as E911 and CALEA, be applied
to all relevant communications platforms, regardless of technology. States and
localities must also have sufficient spectrum and funding to obtain interference -free,
interoperable emergency communications. In addition, it is important to preserve and
strengthen the ability of state and local government to protect and warn the public
through emergency alert systems.
• Competition
States and localities benefit from, and support, competition and innovation and
technology neutrality. When a fully competitive market does not exist, states and
localities must retain the authority to ensure nondiscriminatory access to essential
facilities, to prevent incumbents from using market power to stifle competition and
innovation, and to maintain consumer safeguards when market forces fail.
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• Use of public property and right -of -way
State and local governments are the trustees of public property and must retain the
power to manage those assets for the benefit and safety of the community.
• Municipal Broadband
State and local governments can play an important role in making advanced services,
including broadband services, available to their citizens, based on specific local needs
and conditions. Federal policy should promote the rights of local governments that
choose to offer those services directly to their citizens.
• Video Franchising
The federal government should not preempt or restrict local authority to negotiate
mutually beneficial agreements and grant franchises to video providers. Public,
educational, and governmental channels are important tools citizens use to participate
I would recommend that the City of Dubuque support the following:
CAP Act of 2009 (H.R. 3745). The CAP (Community Access Preservation) Act of 2009
introduced by Wisconsin Rep Tammy Baldwin recognizes the important role that Public,
Educational, and Governmental (PEG) access channels play in local communities and
addresses some of the concerns facing these channels.
Legislation that establishes national standards for interoperable public safety standards
for first responders.
Legislation that preserves and extends municipal government authority to provide
communications services to their constituents.
Legislation that overturns the FCC cable franchise order and returns to the local
franchising scheme set out in the 1984 Cable Act.
I would recommend that the City of Dubuque oppose a wireless tax moratorium.
In local democracy. Ensuring expanded access to multichannel video programming is
an important role of local government.
• Expanded Access
States and localities support policies and programs that advance access to
communications services and ubiquitous broadband deployment in all areas of the
country. Current initiatives that promote universal and affordable access to
communications services include the federal and state universal service funds, the
E -Rate program, Lifeline and Linkup, urban and rural infrastructure support
mechanisms, and obligations ensuring equitable cable and broadband deployment.
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• Taxation
States and localities should retain full flexibility, as does the federal government, to
structure their tax policies in ways that best serves their citizens.
• Consumer Protection
States and localities are best positioned to respond effectively to a wide variety of
consumer concerns, including but not limited to complaints related to service quality and
affordability, reliability, deceptive practices, billing practices, privacy, and criminal
activity.
• Wireless Zoning and Siting
It is essential for local communities to be able to address the expansion of wireless
facilities so as to promote the deployment of advanced communications while also
protecting the interests of citizens in safety, sound planning, and aesthetic concerns.
Cellular carriers have petitioned the FCC to create new, onerous regulations that would
make it more difficult for local governments to carry out their responsibilities in this area.
The Communications Act prohibits such FCC regulation. Congress should ensure that
the balance struck in federal law is not overturned by agency action.
Local government strongly endorses promoting competition for all consumers and
treating like services alike. The elected leaders of our nation's cities and counties stand
ready and willing to welcome video competition in their communities. Centralizing
franchising at the federal or state level, however, limits the benefits of head -to -head
video competition to a chosen few, and deprives consumers of important protections.
•The FCC
Recent FCC actions to regulate local franchising have compromised local governments'
ability to act in the best interests of their citizens. Congress should act to prevent the
FCC from overstepping its authority and altering the balance of federal, state, and local
authority that Congress established in the Cable Act. The FCC's recent orders fly in the
face of the law and threaten to disrupt long- standing cable television franchise
agreements.
Before Congress acts, it should consider:
States where statewide or state - controlled franchising is currently in place do not
see greater or faster video competition deployment than states where it is not.
Franchises do not just provide permission to offer video services. They are the
core tools local government uses to manage streets and sidewalks, provide for
public safety, enhance competition, and collect compensation for private use of
public land. Eliminating local franchises deprives local government of the power to
perform basic functions.
Competition is for everyone. Current national policy implemented through
franchises encourages competition throughout the country, not just in urban or
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suburban areas and not just for the wealthy. In less than ten years, under the
current system, broadband service has been made available to 91 % of all homes
passed by cable.
• Neither Congress nor the FCC should try to manage local streets and sidewalks
from Washington. National franchising would abrogate a basic tenet of federalism
by granting companies access to locally owned property on federally defined terms.
• Market factors, not local governments, control the pace of new broadband
deployment. Telephone companies have not yet seriously dedicated resources to
negotiate franchises in many markets. Potential video competitors require
relatively few franchises to implement their announced business plans (for AT &T
1,500 -2,000 franchises, for Verizon 100 -200 franchises).
8. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING
The City of Dubuque relies on CDBG money to fund many of its vital programs.
Projects that are at least partially funded by CDBG include rehabilitation of rental and
owner - occupied housing, homeowner education classes, lead paint hazard abatement,
commercial and industrial building rehabilitation and economic development, childcare
referral services, dispute resolutions services, to support operations of several non-
profits providing direct services to income - eligible individuals and families, as part of the
community development /neighborhood strategy program..
In the last ten years, federal CDBG funding has been cut by 24 %, or $ 360,002. This
severe cut has hurt local communities — local economies, local projects, and, most
importantly, the low- and moderate - income households that reside in these communities
and need the assistance.
The CDBG formula funding has never been adjusted for inflation (since the inception of
the program in 1974), even though construction costs, wages, and other program costs
have escalated sharply in the past four decades. Continued funding of CDBG is
needed to provide the flexibility for communities to fund a myriad of activities, fill gaps
where needed, and attract additional resources to projects.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Community Development Association
are calling for $ 3.5 billion, in formula funding for the Community Development Block
Grant program and continued administrative funding for CDBG. Currently, CDBG
communities can use up to 20% of the grant on administrative and planning costs.
Communities need the flexibility to use up to 20% of their grant to meet the
administrative and planning requirements of the program..
The City of Dubuque requests that our congressional members support the CDBG
program during the budget and appropriation process, seeking support of $3.5 billion in
formula funding in 2012 and continued administrative funding levels.
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9. INDIAN GAMING REGULATIONS
The City is concerned about the uncontrolled growth of Indian Casinos on off premises
(reservation) lands. There are several pieces of legislation which would place controls
on this growth, including HR 4893 (The Right Act) and S.2078 (Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act Amendments of 2006). The City supports legislation that places
safeguards on the growth of Indian casinos. Specifically, the City encourages
legislation to:
• Rewrite Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which
authorizes reservation shopping. This means that under no circumstances can a
tribe that already has land in trust acquire more land that is not contiguous to its
reservation, and use it for gaming. This will put a permanent end to reservation
shopping.
• Give local communities a seat at the table during the process to mitigate impacts
of casinos proposed by newly recognized or restored tribes. This means the
tribe and local community must enter into a memorandum of understanding
where the tribe must pay the community for mitigation of direct effects of the
casino on infrastructure and services like transportation and public safety.
• Ban any attempts to establish off - reservation casinos outside of the state where
the tribe presently resides.
10. CRESCENT COMMUNTY HEALTH CENTER
Crescent Community Health Center, similar to other businesses in the community, is
being hit hard by the recession. We continue to see a great number of new uninsured
patients. The "average" Community Health Center payer mix is30 -38% uninsured
patients. Crescent is now experiencing over 60% uninsured patients. uninsured
patients.
The FY 2010 HRSA grant, approximately, covers about 25% of Crescent's
approximate $ 3Mbudget, creating a 25% shortfall that is not being made up by
Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance or self -pay patients. This has forced staff cuts to
control costs, but also extends the time in which patients are seen by a medical
provider.
• A "funding formula" in which a larger part of the federal funding takes into
account the number or increases in the number of uninsured patients should be
created.
The largest number of patients with repeated no -show appointments is Medicaid
patients. Crescent staff work hard to eliminate barriers to making appointments, such
as transportation and reminder calls. Bus tickets and taxi vouchers are available if
patients live outside of walking distance from the clinic. Social workers assist patients if
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there are other barriers to care. But, the no -show rate continues between 17 and 40%
on any given day.
• Patients eligible for Medicaid should be charged if they fail to make their
appointments or create a disincentive for missing appointments.
Medicaid patients should also be able to be redirected from emergency rooms to a local
CHC for non - emergency reasons, e.g. sore throats, colds, etc. A 2007 study by the
National Center for Health Statistics, a division of the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention, states that "Persons with Medicaid coverage were more likely to have had
multiple visits to the ED in a 12 month period than those with private insurance and the
uninsured.. Emergency rooms are obligated to at least see and stabilize the patient.
Poverty, education levels and race all play a role in overutilization of emergency
departments and no -show rates at health center.
A concerted effort backed by funding and disincentives needs to be implemented in
order to educate patients about wellness and prevention efforts.
1 U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. NCHS Data Brief, No. 38, May 2010
11. AMERICA'S RIVER AT THE PORT OF DUBUQUE
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is the leading cultural,
educational, and environmental facility in the region and the largest tourism attraction in
a 150 mile radius. The Museum & Aquarium, created with outstanding public private
partnership, has a significant impact on the quality of life and the economy in the region,
attracting and retaining families and employees.
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PAM
A. The River Museum Mississippi Plaza and the City of Dubuque Marina
These two adjacent amenities will open in summer, 2012, providing significant new
features for Iowa and its visitors. This $6.75M public private partnership will allow
families and visiting boaters to learn and play along the banks of Ice Harbor, instilling a
greater appreciation of the river and its history, culture, and environment. It will build
upon and expand the substantial public infrastructure that currently exists on the Port of
Dubuque. It will include:
• Over 50 daytime and overnight slips for large visiting boats
• Gas dock
• Electric and water hook ups
• Concierge -style boating services, supplies, and information
• Museum space for festivals, public events, snow sculptures, classic boat shows,
and other gatherings.
• A covered connector between the Mississippi River Center and the National
River Center to protect visitors from the elements.
• An outdoor dining terrace with access for the general public and visiting boaters.
• A large Living Fish Stream fed with aquarium - quality fish for feeding and a.
• Children's play activities including a 'Huck Finn' raft ride and a walk through
catfish.
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Funding to date and remaining need:
City of Dubuque Marina: USFW Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) $ 3.2M
City of Dubuque $ 1.1M
Museum Mississippi Plaza: Vision Iowa $ 1.23M
DOT Scenic Byway Grant $ 450K
Dubuque County $ 20K
Total raised to date $ 6.0M
Remaining Plaza Need (public /private) $ 750K
B. River Research and Conservation
The Museum & Aquarium seeks to continue and expand its efforts to conserve species,
protect habitat, and engage the public on important issues such as nutrient reduction,
water quality, and flood issues on a regional and national scale.
The Museum & Aquarium seeks funds to:
• Continue to work with USFW and other federal and state agencies to study,
nurture, and propagate several important species which are endangered or
threatened and are typically not the primary focus of state DNRs. These species
include mussels, mud puppies, salamanders, and frogs.
• Work with USDA and others to reduce nutrient loading, understand sediment
flow, and improve water quality for the Mississippi, its 31 state watershed, and
the Gulf of Mexico.
• Work with University of Iowa Flood Center and federal partners to raise
awareness of flood prevention and flood control. This center could be supported
through funding from USDA and EPA.
Language authorizing the establishment of the research center at Dubuque is included
in the Water Resource and Development Act, which was passed by Congress in 2007,
This allows for the appropriation of federal funding to enable the Museum & Aquarium to
receive federal funds to addresses nutrient loading, sediment flow, habitat preservation,
and other nationally significant issues.
C. Great Rivers of the World Exhibit and Outreach Series.
In 2012, 2014, and 2016, the Museum & Aquarium will present major exhibits and
programs about internationally known rivers such as the Amazon the Nile. This new
initiative has the potential not only to significantly raise understanding about
international issues but to reach out and engage people from other countries.
For example, in 2014, the exhibit on the Nile and the Mississippi can show the
similarities and differences of these two great rivers, whether it is the Indian mounds
compared to Egyptian pyramids or the delta of the Mississippi compared to the delta of
the Nile. The exhibit can even explore life, culture, and democracy today along the
Mississippi and along the Nile.
A similar exchange can be envisioned for China with a comparative exhibit and series of
programs on the Mississippi and the Yangtze in 2016.
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Funding opportunities:
With appropriate funding, the Mississippi and the Nile exhibit and program could not
only be a major feature at the Museum & Aquarium but could travel to Egypt for display
there. The Mississippi and the Yangtze exhibit could travel to China. These can be
accompanied by programs, sister city relationships and other cultural exchange
programs.
Possible funding sources might be state department, U. S Travel and Tourism, and
agencies interested in evolving political systems, cultural understanding, and economic
advancement.
D. Integrating the Old Jail Museum with the Millwork District.
The Old Jail, a National Historic Landmark built in 1857, housed prisoners from the
1850s to the 1970s. It has extraordinary historical and cultural significance for the
nation, is on the National Register, is one of 24 National Historic Landmarks in Iowa,
and is recognized as one of the "Save America's Treasures" by the National Trust for
Historic Preservation and the White House.
The Old Jail is adjacent to Dubuque's historic Millwork District and can serve as an
important focal point for interpretation. It is a remarkable example of Egyptian Revival
architecture. Limestone jail cells and iron gates line the walls of all three floors of the
jail portion.
The stylistic rarity and its intrinsic architectural merit make the Dubuque County Jail a
highly significant cultural monument to America's architectural history. It is one of the
few remaining symbols of the antebellum penal reform movement that made American
jails and prisons international models in terms of design, planning, and organization.
The building is of state significance —it was built just 10 years after Iowa achieved
statehood. Prisoners were first housed in the Jail in 1857 and Civil War prisoners were
kept in the dungeon level.
E. Creating a nucleus of activity at the Mathias Ham House, Eagle Point Park,
the Lock and Dam, and Four Mounds
The Upper Mississippi Valley lead mines were nationally important and remnants of that
story are represented at the Matthias Ham House, the Mines of Spain, and Roosevelt
Park.
The lead ore lay in its dark crevices and caverns for millennia, one of the richest lead
deposits in the world, awaiting those who would invade the earth to capture it. The
presence of such mineral wealth had a significant influence upon the region and the
nation from the seventeenth into the twentieth century. The lead mines of the Upper
Mississippi were unique on the frontier and became an integral part of the Mississippi
River economy.
In 1690, the Native Americans of the Upper Mississippi Valley realized the great value
of this mineral. As early as 1697, cartographers in France and Britain, even though
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preparing wildly inaccurate maps of the Great Lakes and the Upper Mississippi,
indentified and located the famous lead mines of this region.
Mathias Ham and his family lived with 12 lead miners on the Ham House site, the
miners coming from Cornwall, England as well as New England, Kentucky and
Tennessee. The federal government established a federal lead mine district to lease the
mines, license the smelters, and collected six percent of the value of all lead received
for the U.S. treasury. 90% of the country's lead came from this region and that this
represented 10% of the world supply.
Ham secured the first permit to establish a ferry boat at his location to cross the
Mississippi River from Iowa to Wisconsin. A boat building yard and a steamboat landing
developed a short distance from Ham's house. Ham developed a boarding house for
the boatman and the steamboat passengers, and evidence suggests he used the lower
level to accommodate these boarders.
During the 20th century, the Ham House was the office and living quarters of the director
of parks and the home Alfred Caldwell, the noted architect who designed Eagle Point
Park. Caldwell, a student of noted landscape architect Jens Jensen and follower of
Frank Lloyd Wright served as Dubuque's Superintendent of Parks from 1933 -36. He
lived at the Ham Historic Site as he was designing and building Eagle Point and
important alterations were made to the Ham house concurrent with Eagle Point.
The structures and the landscape of both Eagle Point and the Ham Historic Site are
significant enough to be considered for inclusion in the U. S. Historical American
Landscape Survey at the National Archives, similar to the HABS (Historic American
Building Survey) and HAER (Historic American Engineering Record).
The goal is to increase the public appeal and interpretive vigor of the Ham Historic Site
by examining the role of lead mining on the Mississippi River frontier and integrate that
story with the larger story of eagle point park, the lock and dam, and four mounds.
LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND
Land and water conservation fund has been critical to the development of outdoor
recreational opportunities in Dubuque. Past grant awards have funded softball field
development for youth and adults, open space development in the area of historically
significant places along the Mississippi River and expansion of the E.B. Lyons
Interpretive Center at Mines of Spain State Park. Each of these developments has
been very important to expansion of outdoor recreation. Continued funding of this
program is critical to Dubuque as a partnering source for accomplishing outdoor
recreation for our citizens.
AMERICORPS
The city of Dubuque has been active with AmeriCorps Partners in Learning program for
the past eleven years. The program has touched over 650 plus AmeriCorps members
giving almost 225,000 hours of service in our community. The program's impact is seen
in the academic assistance given in classrooms improving performance of children in K-
12th grade. Community organizations such as Multicultural Family Center, Washington
Neighborhood Corporation and Crescent Community Health Center to name a few,
impact our citizens in the lower incomes and neighborhoods needing most assistance.
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The involvement of AmeriCorps members is critical to efforts of the city, schools and
non - profits.
AmeriCorps VISTA members have also been used by the City. Currently the City has a
VISTA working with Sustainable Dubuque efforts and a second one as a Volunteer
Coordinator to establish a volunteer program for the City, as well as its many non - profits
and addressing disaster preparedness related to volunteers. The capacity building
efforts are very important to these two powerful initiatives of the City
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