Priorities - Federal
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MEMORANDUM
December 12, 2006
TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: City Priorities and Issues: Washington, D.C.
Economic Development Director Dave Heiar recommends City Council approval of the
City of Dubuque Priorities and Requests for Federal Appropriations. Following City
Council approval, City representatives will share this information during the
February 7-9, 2007 trip to Washington, D.C. for the annual information sharing
discussion with the Iowa Congressional Delegation.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
fltA ~~~/L
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
David J. Heiar, Economic Development Driector
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
December 11, 2006
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
David J. Heiar, Economic Development Director CD ~
City Priorities and Issues: Washington, D.C.
INTRODUCTION AND DISCUSSION
On February 7-9,2007 City representatives will be in Washington D.C., participating in
the annual information sharing discussion with the Iowa Congressional Delegation.
In preparation for the meeting Congressional staff are requesting information on the
priorities or issues of the City. In reviewing the City Council goals for 2006, as well as
the information provided to the staff in the past, I have developed the attached report
entitled "City of Dubuque Priorities and Requests for Federal Appropriations."
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend City Council approval of the "City of Dubuque Priorities and Requests
for Federal Appropriations."
THE CITY OF
E
DUB
2007 Federal Legislative Priorities
1. TRANSPORTATION
Iowa Hiqhwav 32 - (Southwest Arterial):
The Dubuque City Council, the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, and Dubuque
Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMA TS) has identified the completion of the Iowa
Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial) project as the NO.1 surface transportation priority in
the Dubuque area. The proposed Iowa Highway 32 project will be a 6.1-mile four-lane
divided freeway with priority 1-access control as an alternative route for traffic through
southwestern Dubuque and will connect the new Dubuque Technology Park on U.S.
Hwy 61/151 with the new Dubuque Industrial Center West, and the existing Dubuque
Industrial Center near U.S. Hwy 20. The highway then extends north to John Deere
Dubuque Works.
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Key
- Southwest Artenal
- Highways/Streets/Roads
~ - Dubuque C,ty Limits
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Since October 2001, five companies have made expansion decisions at the Dubuque
Industrial Center West, based upon assurances that the proposed Iowa Highway 32
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 Iowa Highway 32 is
vital to other expansion announcements: Adams Company, Art's Way - Vessel
Systems, Giese Manufacturing, and Tri-State Industries. Other companies asking for a
connection between U.S. Hwy 20 and U.S. Hwy 61/151 include John Deere, Nordstrom
Distribution Center, A.Y. McDonald, Swiss Valley Farms, Flexsteel, and Dubuque
Stamping and Manufacturing.
Preliminary project cost estimates, which include engineering design, the acquisition of
all right-of-way required for the ultimate build-out of the full four-lane project, resource
mitigation and the construction of the interim two-lane highway is $71,000,000. The
Metropolitan Planning Organization, DMATS, has committed $10 million in Surface
Transportation Program funds for the facility. The City is also seeking financial
assistance through the State of Iowa Department of Transportation Revitalize Iowa's
Sound Economy (RISE) program. In February 2003, Senator Tom Harkin announced
federal budget approval of $1 ,900,000 to complete the preliminary engineering design
phase.
The City has agreed to manage the next phase of the project, and in January of 2005
the City and the Iowa DOT executed the Consultant Professional Services Agreement
for Earth Tech, Inc. to complete Preliminary Engineering Design Services for the
Improvement of Iowa Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial). The preliminary design phase is
anticipated to be complete in the fall of 2007. In February of 2005, the City received the
issuance of Environmental Concurrence and the Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI) from the various regulatory agencies and has completed the Environmental
Assessment phase of the project.
As a result of hard work from Dubuque's Congressional delegation, the Federal
Transportation Bill presented a new opportunity for funding. Congressman Nussle was
able to have inserted into the House version of the bill $20 million. In Conference
Committee that was first reduced to $15 million. Senator Grassley was then able to get
the number increased to $26.18 million. The approved Federal Transportation Bill
includes funding for the Iowa Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial) in the amount of $ 26.18
million. The City extends its sincere appreciation to Congressman Nussle, and Senators
Grassleyand Harkin for targeting this project with federal earmark authorization, which
will playa critical role in moving forward with this project.
Due to project funding constraints, it was decided that the project would need to be
developed in three (3) stages. The initial stage (Phase I) would include the preliminary
design and development of plans for the four-lane freeway, establish the full build-out
right-of-way corridor boundary and develop preliminary plans for an interim two-lane
highway. Phase I will provide a current cost opinion for all right-of-way acquisitions
required and both the four-lane and two-lane facilities.
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Phase II will include the acquisition of all right-of-way required for the ultimate build-out
of the full four-lane project. Right-of-way acquisition could begin in 2006.
Phase III will provide for the completion of preliminary and final plans for construction of
the interim two-lane highway. The only access to this interim facility would be via at-
grade intersections. The interchanges would be constructed with the future
development of the ultimate four-lane freeway. The interim two-lane highway would
function until additional funding is available to construct the ultimate lanes and
interchanges and should provide a reasonable level of traffic service through the year
2015.
Current Status:
The Iowa Department of Transportation has not included funding for the Iowa Highway
32 (Southwest Arterial) project in their Five-Year Transportation Plan. The City has
submitted a revised application for RISE funding that could be used as the 20% match
to allow access to the $36.18 million in federal funds now available and has met with
key staff members to emphasize the importance of the Iowa Highway 32 (Southwest
Arterial) project to the State and to the Dubuque area. The RISE application was deined
in January 2006. This project continues to be a top priority, therefore, other strategies
are being evaluated to insure that this project moves forward.
The engineering consultant, Earth Tech is continuing work on the preliminary
engineering design phase. The design team has been preparing cost scenarios for
several development options for the Phase I alternative US 151/61 to N. Cascade Road
and evaluating alternatives for completing components of the project with the federal
funding, DMATS funding and local match. The DOT Commission has directed the
City/County to seek additional local funding for this project and to pursue all viable
options to fund the shortfall. City staff has presenting project funding options to the Iowa
DOT for further consideration.
The City requests any additional financial assistance that can be provided on the federal
level, as well as any assistance that can be provided to help convince the Iowa
Department of Transportation Commission to commit funding toward this vital project.
Capacity Improvements - U.S. Hiahwav 20 I Mississippi River Bridae Proiect
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 important for an east-west connection between Dubuque
and other communities. To the west: Galena, III.; Rockford, III.; and Chicago. To the
east: Waterloo, Iowa and the 1-35 interchange. The U.S. Hwy 20 Mississippi River
Bridge Project is 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 project to complete Environmental
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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 on going on the Illinois side ($5 Million Est.).
The Iowa Department of Transportation has 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,
which are expected to be complete in the spring of 2006.
Congressman Nussle was able to obtain an additional $25.5 million in the new
transportation bill. The City extends its sincere appreciation for the hard work of
Dubuque's Congressional delegation and the extraordinary efforts by Congressman
Nussle, Senator Grassley, and Senator Harkin, in support of this project.
Current Status:
The Iowa Department of Transportation has not included funding for the U.S. Hwy 20
Mississippi River Bridge Project in their Five-Year Transportation Plan.
Based on a total project cost of $165 million (2004 dollars), and considering the current
$35 million and the $25.5 million - Federal Transportation Bill appropriation, a $104.5
million deficit exists to complete construction. In addition, the City is in need of $3 million
in federal funds to relocate municipal utilities for this project.
Dubuaue Reaional Airport
In 2003, the Dubuque Regional Airport Commission completed an Airport Master Plan
study which has been accepted by the FAA. The primary objective of this study is to
formulate and maintain a long-term development program that will yield a safe, efficient,
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economical and environmentally acceptable air transportation facility. Analysis of the
plan has identified the following need:
Terminal Facilitv:
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 Plan has 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. New parking lots, entry roads will be needed as well as ancillary taxiways and
aircraft ramp space will be constructed. The land for this expansion needs to be
acquired.
The first step, land acquisition, has begun for a new terminal building. After the land
acquisition is accomplished, the preliminary design phase will begin. Funding for this
project will come from the Federal Aviation Administration via an Airport Improvement
Program (AlP) grant.
Air Service Development Proaram:
The Department of Transportation passed a bill called the Small Community Air Service
Development Pilot Program Grant. This grant helps small non-hub airports with
monetary support of airline marketing endeavors. The Department of Transportation's
grant application has guidelines, which clearly state the core objective of the Pilot
Program is to promote community involvement by addressing air service issues through
public/private partnerships. These partnerships include having a financial commitment
from the community to achieve the Airport's air service goals. The public/private
partnerships and their commitments are crucial to the Airport's success in achieving this
grant.
In 2003, the Dubuque Regional Airport did receive $610,000 to attract additional air
service to our community. The result was American Eagle airlines adding a fourth daily
flight to and from Chicago O'Hare.
We will continue to submit grant applications for funding of air service initiatives to our
community. In 2007, our focus will be to attract additional air service with new routes
and hubs to our market.
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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 stormwater in city streets and five feet of stormwater
in basements, and resulted in a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Dubuque County.
Flood damage devastated hundreds of homes in the City of Dubuque. At the time of the
flood, the City was in the process of adopting a Stormwater Management Plan. On July
23,2001, HDR Engineering, of Omaha, Neb., the consulting firm hired by the City to
produce the Stormwater Management Plan, presented its findings to City Council.
Dubuque's solution for solving the Bee Branch Stormwater problems consists of three
projects - two detention basins and a mile long open waterway. The $31,700,000 open
waterway has been controversial; many residents prefer the construction of a
$49,300,000 underground system. However, the detention basins are not controversial,
and will assist greatly in mitigating the problems facing hundreds of residents in the Bee
Branch watershed:
The City completed the $1,100,000 Carter Road Detention Basin in the spring of 2002.
W. 32nd Street Detention Basin Project
The $4,000,000 improvements planned for the W. 32nd Street detention basin are
currently under design. They will double the size of the existing detention basin. When
completed, the peak runoff flows through the Bee Branch from the 100-year rainstorm
will be reduced by 69%.
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The City submitted a request for funding through the EPA's State and Tribal Grant
program "STAG" in March 2005 for the W. 32nd Street detention basin.
Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project
It is the reconstruction, resurrection, restoration of over 4,500 feet of buried creek. A
project that will re-introduce the confined Bee Branch Creek to the North End
Neighborhood. Once it is complete, 1,000 homes will benefit from flood protection that
meets today's design standards for stormwater management.
The City understands that many citizens in Dubuque and across the country must deal
with flooded basements. And in some cases, citizens must deal with stormwater
stretching across the street from curb to curb. But nowhere else in our community does
rain strand motorists in their cars - in the middle of the street. Nowhere else does
basement flooding reach the rafters, inundating furnaces, water heaters, and electrical
boxes. Nowhere else does basement flooding endanger the lives of our fellow citizens.
That is why the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is one of the City Councils top
priorities.
The City has established a storm water utility, and therefore the local match is available
for this project.
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3. AMERICA'S RIVER AT THE PORT OF DUBUQUE
Intermodal Facility
The City of Dubuque wishes to prepare a study to explore needs and justification for a
Downtown Transportation Center Intermodal Facility for the Port of Dubuque. The type
of study will include a parking and transit component and will be used to determine the
location and composition of a facility, establish a parking and transit plan, and operating
revenue. The cost of the study is estimated to be $130,000 with a total project cost
estimate of $12 million. Similar projects in Iowa have been funded between a range of
$7.5 million for the Near Southside Transportation Center Intermodal Facility in Iowa
City, Iowa to $10 million for the UNI Multi-modal project in Waterloo.
The downtown and Port of Dubuque area has supported tremendous commercial
growth over the last decade including grand tourist attractions and festivals in the
revitalized Port area: new local, regional, and national businesses in downtown; and the
restoration and revitalization of previously dormant historic buildings. The net result is
the generation of an active multifaceted district for working, living and playing. The area
has evolved from the traditional nine-to-five central business district into a vibrant and
lively activity center. This rapid evolution has created public concerns about
transportation and parking capacity. Construction of an Intermodal facility would be a
strategic use of the limited acreage available at the Port of Dubuque that would
incorporate smart growth principles to limit the number of parking surfaces at the Port
and preserve as much land as possible for strategic urban development consistent with
the rest of the downtown area.
The project will include a parking and transit component and would integrate a concrete
parking structure containing approximately 750 parking stalls with the bus terminal
housed integrally within the structure at ground level and will be located adjacent to a
rail spur in the Port of Dubuque that may serve as a connecting tourist commuter train
line along the Mississippi River. The River's Edge Plaza in the Port of Dubuque serves
as a docking station for the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and other local and
regional riverboat cruise services who rely on private and public bus service during their
stay in 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 fixed route
service, interstate charters and local taxi cab and tour operators.
The Port of Dubuque Master Plan includes construction of a transit station and the project
is part of the metropolitan area long-range transportation plan. Phase I and Phase II
environmental assessments have been completed and the City has received comfort
letters from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
This project is eligible for 80% ($9.7 million) federal funding and the City of Dubuque is
seeking support of the Congressional delegation in securing those funds.
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National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium - Rivers to the Sea
The City Council supports the efforts of the Dubuque County Historical Society in the
next phase of the development of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium to
explore the Mississippi River's relationship to the Gulf of Mexico. This will be
construction of a major expansion to the award-winning National Mississippi River
Museum & Aquarium, with the opportunity to double the size and impact of the current
museum and enhance even further Iowa's role as a national and international leader in
Environmental Education.
Current Status:
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium has been awarded a $5 million
grant from the National Scenic Byway Program for the Great Rivers Center and the
Rivers to the Sea Exhibit.
A. National River Research and Conservation Center
This will be a research center that addresses the need to reduce nutrient loading,
understand sediment flow, increase understanding of habitat preservation, and
address other nationally significant issues. With the strong support of Governor
Vilsack, and collaborating with federal and state agencies, Iowa State University,
and other land-grant universities, and local and national academic institutions, the
Museum will build and staff a major research center for rivers. The Museum will also
continue to work with threatened and endangered animals such as mussels, mud
puppies, salamanders, frogs and other species which will be conserved to increase
their populations. What separates this from many other institutions is that exhibits
will be created to let the public know the research that is underway at the Museum
and at related sites. Language authorizing the establishment of the research center
at Dubuque is included in the Water Resource and Development Act pending in
Con~ress. With passage of this legislation in 2007, funding will be sought in the
110t Congress.
B. RiverMax Theater
A large screen theater building will be constructed and films will be created to tell the
story of the rivers of America and how those rivers and the people of those rivers
have shaped America. It will be a powerful and compelling tribute to the
accomplishments of the people of America's rivers with environmental emphasis as
well. Current plans are that this theater would use digital technology and be
equipped for 3-D films as well. A rotating schedule of other films will be programmed
during evenings or as a second showing each day. Seating capacity - 150 - 250
people
C. Children's Splash Zone Museum
Interactive play exhibits with educational emphasis will provide a hands-on children's
museum with a water theme. These children's exhibits will provide a place for
children to interact with each other and with their families.
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D. Rivers to the Sea Galleries
Exhibit space can accommodate 3 or 4 different exhibits that are changeable on a
rotating basis: The Rivers of America, their watersheds, their cultural and ecological
stories, the people, and their connection to the sea. Guests will explore artifacts,
inter-actives, images, live animals, flow tables, touch screens, models, mini theaters,
and other exhibits. The National Rivers Hall of Fame exhibits will provide more
information about the significant people in American river history who made their
history on our rivers.
Museum staff working with our federal partners will seek funding support for these
America's River phase II exhibits from competitive and other grant programs such as
Institute for Museum Services, National Science Foundation, National Endowment
for the Humanities and others.
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4. HOMELAND SECURITY
Regional Emergency Responder Training Facility
The Dubuque Fire Department is part of the group developing the training facility as a
joint venture with all emergency response agencies in Dubuque County.
VISION: To develop an emergency responder training facility including training tower,
an indoor/outdoor evolution lab and classroom to enable firefighters, law enforcement
officers, EMS personnel, and safety workers in local manufacturing/commercial industry
to safely train in real-life emergency situations.
Firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS workers will now be able to participate
in joint training exercises, enabling:
-Preparation for multiple disaster scenarios
-The sharing of ideas and training techniques
-Introduction to and training with new and more efficient equipment
-Team building between departments and communities
FUNDING CHALLENGES: Private/public
partnerships have been established to
assist with funding this project. The State
of Iowa legislature last year contributed
$465,000, the City of Dubuque $390,000,
and Dubuque County $392,000. In
addition, over $1.1 million in private
contributions have been received leaving a
target of $220,000 to finish the project.
Since much of the training will be related
to Homeland Security disasters, and this
facility will service the Tri-State area we
are hopeful that the funding of the
remaining $220,000 can be made by the
federal government. Application was made
for Homeland Security funds but was
denied without explanation. The total cost
of the facility is $2,600,000.
Training Tower Progress, January 2006
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5. FEDERALLY QUALIFIED COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
Access to primary health and dental care has been identified as a critical need for the
citizens of Dubuque County, particularly low-income children and families. In
addressing this crucial issue, many organizations and agencies have together over the
past five vears to develop a community health center for Dubuque and the Tri-State
area:
. Dubuque County Board of Health
. City of Dubuque
. Mercy Medical Center
. The Finley Hospital
. Visiting Nurse Association
. Hillcrest Family Services
. Clarke College
. Gannon Center for Community Mental Health
. Substance Abuse Services Center
. Dubuque Community School District
. Medical Associates
. Tri-State Independent Physician Association
. Iowa Department of Human Services
. United Way
. Iowa/Nebraska Primary Care Association
. Women's Wellness Center
. Jackson County Hospital
. Dubuque Historical Society
. Sisters of SI. Francis
. Telegraph Herald
. Dubuque Area Labor Management Council
. Tri-State Health CARE Coalition
. Project Concern
. Dubuque Main Street Ltd.
. Hispanic Ministry-SI. Patrick's
. Scenic Valley Area Agency on Aging
. Pines Healthcare for Women
. Dubuque Rescue Mission
. Northeast Iowa Community College
. O'Connor & Thomas Law Offices
. Woodward Communication
. St. Mark Community Center
. Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
Since 2002, the board of directors worked with the Iowa/Nebraska Primary Care
Association (IAlNEPCA). With their assistance, legislation was proposed and approved
in the 2005 and 2006 Iowa Legislature for "incubator funds" of $650,000 each year to
assist Community Health Centers who were not successful on the Federal grant
application process to get up and running. Because of steep competition on the Federal
level, being operational is extremely important for securing the Federal grant. Dubuque
received these funds from the Iowa Department of Public Health in December 2005 and
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2006. Since the majority of these funds must be used for operational expenses,
additional fund raising was necessary for capital and build-out of the center.
The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque then stepped in to secure a $1.3
million endowment from the owners of Crescent Electric Supply Company, specifically
the Schmid, Rhomberg, and Piekenbrock families. This generous gift would provide a
source of ongoing funding and a local name for the center.
The Crescent Community Health Center (CCHC) is a non-profit organization structured
to receive federal funding under the Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1996 as
amended by section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. The clinic will provide
comprehensive primary care services to all individuals using a sliding fee scale
regardless of ability to pay.
Dubuque is the only major metropolitan area in Iowa without a Federally Qualified
Health Center (FQHC). The Dubuque community has come together to create a
community health center, which will meet the identified health needs of our citizens. In
February of 2003, the Tri-State Community Health Center (TSCHC) was granted
$50,000 from the FY 03 appropriations bill for planning and $50,000 for equipment,
which was extremely beneficial for the CCHC startup. Last fall, we received an
additional $29,462 for planning, which funded the architectural plans for the center. We
are grateful to the Congressional delegation for their support.
Even though a third FQHC grant application was denied in 2004, Dubuque did not give
up. Now that the CCHC is operational, an FQHC or Look-A-Like designation is the next
step. Applications for both of these were submitted to HRSAlBPHC in December 2006.
FQHC status is absolutely essential for the long-term viability of CCHC. Although
generous grants and donations helped build CCHC, they will not be able to sustain
~I!_~~_ _______-'-~____ ____I _____,_ _ '-
2006. Since the majority of these funds must be used for operational expenses,
additional fund raising was necessary for capital and build-out of the center.
The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque then stepped in to secure a $1.3
million endowment from the owners of Crescent Electric Supply Company, specifically
the Schmid, Rhomberg, and Piekenbrock families. This generous gift would provide a
source of ongoing funding and a local name for the center.
The Crescent Community Health Center (CCHC) is a non-profit organization structured
to receive federal funding under the Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1996 as
amended by section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. The clinic will provide
comprehensive primary care services to all individuals using a sliding fee scale
regardless of ability to pay.
Dubuque is the only major metropolitan area in Iowa without a Federally Qualified
Health Center (FQHC). The Dubuque community has come together to create a
community health center, which will meet the identified health needs of our citizens. In
February of 2003, the Tn-State Community Health Center (TSCHC) was granted
$50,000 from the FY 03 appropriations bill for planning and $50,000 for equipment,
which was extremely beneficial for the CCHC startup. Last fall, we received an
additional $29,462 for planning, which funded the architectural plans for the center. We
are grateful to the Congressional delegation for their support.
Even though a third FQHC grant application was denied in 2004, Dubuque did not give
up. Now that the CCHC is operational, an FQHC or Look-A-Like designation is the next
step. Applications for both of these were submitted to HRSA/BPHC in December 2006.
FQHC status is absolutely essential for the long-term viability of CCHC. Although
generous grants and donations helped build CCHC, they will not be able to sustain
clinic operations and services. Dubuque has proven its community support and
commitment for an FQHC.
-~~
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Washington Court Development - Future site of Tri-State Community Health Center
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6. SUPPORT CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGY
The City Council supports the efforts of Rentech, Inc. (Royster-Clark Nitrogen) owner of
a 830-ton per-day natural gas-fed nitrogen fertilizer production plant in East Dubuque,
Illinois to convert the plant into a coal fed gasification plant using Illinois Coal instead of
expensive natural gas. The new and expanded gasification process will generate the
synthesis gas necessary to produce nitrogen fertilizer, Fischer-Tropsch (FTO) ultra-
clean fuels and surplus electricity.
The company currently employs 110 high-paying quality jobs at the facility. During the
conversion, 1000 construction workers will be on the site. When the conversion to a
coal fed gasification plant is completed, the company will add 100 new positions to the
workforce. This project would provide economic benefits to the entire Dubuque Urban
Area.
The City continues to support this effort and encourages the delegation to work with the
company to provide tax credits for clean coal technology in the next national energy bill.
The City also supports the funding of a feasibility study for construction of a pipeline to
sequestor C02 for enhanced oil recovery in the old Southern Illinois oil fields.
7. TRANSIENT BOAT DOCKS
Dubuque's location on the Mississippi River and the America's River Project are
tremendous assets for providing recreational, scenic, cultural and historical experiences
for transient boaters.
A large volume of pleasure craft plies the river channel just outside the gate of
Dubuque's historic Ice Harbor. Some of the current river traffic consists of local boaters
and fishermen; however, many boats are from throughout the region and as for away as
the Twin Cities and the Gulf Coast. These boaters have few options when seeking a
dock site to access the communities current riverfront attractions. The demand will only
grow with the continued development of the Port of Dubuque.
The City of Dubuque plans to develop a transient marina that will become an economic
engine for the entire region. Currently, transient boaters have no opportunity in the area
to access the wide variety of experiences available along the Mississippi River. There
are no slips available to accommodate the demand for transient watercraft 26' and
longer. The Riverside Boat Pier Project would allow Dubuque to remedy this deficiency
and capture previously lost economic benefits generated by serving boating visitors
from several states. The proposed marina will provide the opportunity for transient
boaters who currently travel the Upper Mississippi River to experience first-hand the
natural beauty, historical sites and cultural amenities of the Dubuque area.
Transient boaters are tourists that are typically on the river for several weekends during
the boating year and enjoy stopping in various ports to see and experience the
communities along the Upper Mississippi River. Traveling on the Mississippi River has
tremendous appeal because of changing scenery, the unique River City heritage and
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the many cultural amenities. Additionally, like most travelers, the per diem spending for
a transient boater tends to be higher than for a boater who is a local resident.
The proposed Riverside Boat Pier Project expects to offer transient boaters:
. Adequate mooring capacity
. Slips for boats larger than 26'
. Laundry facilities
. Quality pump out and waste reception equipment
. Navigational aids limited specifically to direct entry for transient, non-trailerable
tie-up facilities
. A dockside shower/bathhouse facility
. Safe, high quality lighting, electrical and water hook-ups and safe walkways
. A floating wave attenuator and outside pier
. Mooring buoys
. Adequate areas for boaters with mechanical problems to receive service
. Deep water at a number of boat slips
. ADA Accessibility
The Riverside Boat Pier Project with first-class facilities will flourish and will be a
showcase project for the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program. The program is
designed to provide transient dockage for recreational boats 26 feet or more in length
for recreational opportunities and safe harbors, as well as:
1. enhance access to recreational, historic, cultural and scenic resources;
2. strengthen community ties to the water's edge and economic benefits;
3. promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities;
4. provide continuity of public access to the shore; and,
5. promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.
The facilities will leverage the substantial public infrastructure that currently exists on
the riverfront and will help encourage the economic and community development of the
Dubuque region.
In 2005, the Abonmarche Group, a consulting firm specializing in marina development,
completed a market feasibility study for the Riverside Boat Pier Project. The purpose of
the study was to:
. Determine if a market exists for improved marina facilities
. Validate local assumptions and determine if the expenditure of financial
resources will attract transient boaters.
This statistical study indicates a theoretical potential demand for 800 slips in the primary
and secondary Dubuque, Iowa market area. This coupled with the full occupancy and
waiting list at some marinas, leads to the conclusion regarding an actual demand for
approximately 200 transient slips for the primary market area for Dubuque, Iowa. The
feasibility study found sufficient market demand and validates local expectations about
the market for improved facilities.
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As previously mentioned, this design will provide for the docking of up to 92 vessels 26
feet in length or greater. The project cost, including design, engineering, and
construction, is estimated to be $4,126,752. In order to make the project feasible,
$3,037,802 in Federal Boating Infrastructure Tier II funding is needed. The City has
committed $1,088,950 in local funds as the match for this Tier II grant application.
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8. COMMUNICATIONS
As a member of the National League of Cities (NLC), the United States Conference of
Mayors, and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
(NA TOA), the City of Dubuque joins these organizations in acknowledging that the
historic transformation of our communications infrastructure is essential to the economic
competitiveness of the local governments, states and the nation.
Our public safety officials need E-911, Communications Assistance for Law
Enforcement Act (CALEA), and spectrum to protect the public. Consumers deserve a
broadband marketplace that includes competition for both price and service quality.
Neither economic status nor location should be a barrier for citizens to broadband
networks. Local businesses require access to networks in order to compete. And local
governments require the ability to manage our resources and tax base in order to best
serve our constituents.
. Preserve local authority to manage public rights of way for the benefit of
everyone. Cable television and video franchise agreements are an essential part of
managing the right of way and ensuring appropriate compensation. Companies that
make a profit using public space must compensate the public for its use.
. Protect local authority to establish taxes that are consistent with local needs
and maintain adequate revenue. Local governments recognize and support efforts to
modernize the collection and administration of local communications taxes, but in a
manner that preserves the ability of local government to impose and collect taxes to
fund vital services for its citizens consistent with local values.
. Protect and enhance local ability to provide for homeland and hometown
security. Local government's first responders need fully deployed E911, access to
spectrum and funding for interoperable communications to protect the public.
. Recognize local roles in promoting nondiscriminatory access to the full range of
communications services. Municipalities are helping to bring advanced services to
individuals and small businesses. Cities must have the autonomy necessary to
encourage competition and infrastructure deployment that will lower prices and improve
service quality for their citizens.
Request of Congress
. Do not nationalize cable and video franchising.
. Protect local government's ability to facilitate or offer advanced communications
services to their citizens
. Any reform of the collection and administration of communications taxes must
preserve local authority to collect revenue consistent with local needs and treat
like services alike.
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. Do not undermine or eliminate support for public, educational, and governmental
(PEG) access and institutional networks (I-Net).
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
State and local government support a balanced federalist approach that encourages
new innovation and technology while preserving appropriate authority for state and local
government to protect their citizens - particularly as it relates to public safety and
homeland security, promoting local competition, promoting economic development,
taxation, universal access, rights-of-way management, and consumer protection.
. Public Safety
State and local public safety agencies rely heavily on communications services and
operators to protect the public interest. In order for states and localities to carry out this
mission, it is essential that important obligations, such as E911 and CALEA, are applied
to all 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 competitive market does not exist, states and localities
must retain the authority to ensure nondiscriminatory access to essential facilities, to
prevent incumbents from using market power to stifle competition and innovation, and to
maintain consumer safeguards when market forces fail.
. Use of public property and rights-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. Federal policy should promote
local governments that choose to offer those services directly to their citizens.
. Video Franchising
The federal government should not preempt local authority to negotiate and grant
franchises to video providers. Public and governmental channels are an important tool
citizens use to participate in local democracy. Ensuring universal access to multichannel
video programming is an important role of local government.
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. Universal Access
States and localities support policies and programs that advance access to
communications services, and ubiquitous broadband deployment in all areas of the
country. Current initiatives that promote universal and affordable access to
communications services include the federal and state universal service funds, the E-
Rate program, Lifeline and Linkup, urban and rural infrastructure support mechanisms,
and obligations ensuring equitable cable and broadband deployment.
. Taxation
States and localities should retain full flexibility, as does the federal government, to
structure their tax policies in a manner that best serves their citizens.
. Consumer Protection
States and localities are best positioned to effectively respond to a wide variety of
consumer concerns, including but not limited to, complaints related to service quality
and afford ability, reliability, deceptive practices, billing practices, privacy, and criminal
activity.
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. Nationalizing
franchising, however, would limit the benefits of head-to-head video competition to a
chosen few, and would cause chaos in streets across the country.
Before Congress acts, it should consider:
. States where statewide or simplified franchising is currently in place do not see
greater or faster video competition deployment.
. Franchises do not just provide permission to offer video services, they are the core
tool local government uses to manage streets and sidewalks, provide for public
safety, enhance competition, and to collect compensation for private use of public
land. Eliminating franchises will cause chaos and deprive local government of the
power to perform its basic functions.
. Competition is for everyone. Current national policy implemented through
franchises encourages competition throughout the country, not just in urban or
suburban areas and not just for the wealthy. In less than 10 years, under the
current system, broadband service has been made available to 91 % of all homes
passed by cable.
. Congress should not 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.
. Content deals, not local government, stands in the way of new video service
offerings. Companies have not yet seriously dedicated resources to negotiate
franchises in most markets. Potential video competitors require relatively few
franchises to implement their announced business plans (for SSC 1,500-2,000
franchises, for Verizon 100-200 franchises).
9. E.B. LYONS INTERPRETIVE CENTER: EXPANSION
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The E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center is owned by the City of Dubuque and is managed
by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The Friends of the Mines of Spain is a
non-profit corporation organized to inform and educate the public on nature, ecology,
conservation, greenbelt concept, natural history, archeology, and current events
pertaining to the Mines of Spain. The Friends group assists the Mines of Spain Park
Staff in the administering of the Mines of Spain and the E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center.
The Friends of the Mines of Spain seeks to expand the E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center
at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area to include more space for educational
purposes. The expansion would double the existing center, adding a multi-purpose
room for programs and events, a biology lab for school programs, a library for reference
and educational materials, and new exhibits interpreting the science and history of the
region. The expansion of the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center which will make the facility
ADA accessible.
The E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center currently partners with many organizations and
institutions that promote better health, recreation, and education in the tri-state area.
The Friends of the Mines of Spain is seeking private, state and federal funds for this
$1.6 million expansion. To date, the Friends Group has raised nearly $500,000 for the
project. This includes commitments of $30,000 from Dubuque County, $30,000 from the
City of Dubuque, and nearly $300,000 from the IDNR for engineering services for the
project.
The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area is a significant resource for the Dubuque
community. The park is a National Historic Landmark and a state preserve. The Mines
of Spain is host to 252 archeological sites of farming, Native Americans and lead
mining. The E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center has displays on the Otto Junkerrnann farm
site, prairies, lead mining, Native Americans, and wildlife of the park.
The project focuses on protecting and promoting the natural, cultural, historic, and
archeological resources at the Mines of Spain. The expansion of the center furthers the
education about and the protection of the natural, cultural, historic, and archeological
resources at the Mines of Spain.
The Friends Group applied unsuccessfully in 2006 for a National Scenic Byways Grant
to help fund expansion of the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center. The Friends Group will re-
apply in 2007 for National Scenic Byways Grant for the project.
10. DM&E RAILROAD
In 2002 Dakota Minnesota & Eastern Railroad (D M & E Railroad) was granted authority
by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to construct 280 miles of new track into
Wyoming from South Dakota and to purchase and control the rail lines of the former I &
M Rail Link (IMRL) which later became known at I C & E Railroad. The purpose of this
new track construction and acquisition of rail lines is to support the significant increase
in the delivery of coal from a new project referred to as the Powder River Basin (PRB)
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Project of northeastern Wyoming. This coal would travel across the Midwest along D M
& E and I C & E rail lines. These lines run through Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota,
Iowa and Illinois. While the estimated increase in railroad car traffic has not been
completely calculated, estimates are that traffic through Dubuque could increase by as
much as 30% along our entire riverfront from Kerper Boulevard to the Mines of Spain
(see attached map). In its July 22,2002 decision, the STB allowed the transaction with
conditions, one of which prohibited coal traffic from the Powder River Basin from using
the acquired I C & E lines until appropriate environmental review takes place. In
addition, the STB issued 147 environmental mitigation conditions that must be met prior
to the construction of the new track. Specifically, the STB prohibit handling any trains
that originate or terminate on the new PRB rail line "until certain environmental matters
are reviewed, and indicate that I C & E may initiate such a review if and when 0 M & E
begins construction of a new line."
As required by the STB, D M & E conducted the necessary environmental review
process for the States of Wyoming, South Dakota and Minnesota. However, no such
process has been initiated for the State of Iowa.
The City of Rochester, MN, in partnership with The Mayo Clinic is strongly opposed to
this project, citing negative health, safety and environmental impacts to their community.
They have formed a coalition against this effort and have hired legal counsel in
Washington, D.C to assist with their opposition.
In addition, D M & E Railroad is seeking a $2.5 billion tax-deferred loan from the Federal
Railroad Administration to assist in the cost to construct the new lines to the PRB
project.
On May 12, 2006 DM & E Railroad and its subsidiary I C & E Railroad filed a petition to
partially reopen the decision issued by the STB requiring that the environmental review
and mitigation be completed prior to construction. This request was outlined in Finance
Docket (FD) #34177 and Finance Docket (FD) #34178 where they state
"That artificial routing prohibition essentially closed an existing gateway that had
long been an important component of 0 M & E's PRB line proposal, and as a
practical matter has come to serve as a significant . . . impediment to PRB
project financing efforts. .. construction of the PRB project will take three years
from an anticipated 2007 start date, any necessary consideration of
environmental matters here will be completed by the time actual train movements
would occur. "
These Finance Dockets were posted on the STB website and the public had an
opportunity to submit comments or become a party of record to this issue. In visiting
with STB legal staff, submitting a legal filing would be the only way provide a guarantee
that the City of Dubuque's concerns would be considered by the Board. On June 1,
2006 the City filed an Opposition to Petition in reference to FD #34177 and 34178. In
our Petition we identified a number of concerns with the increased rail traffic and the
impacts to safety and environmental issues that this increased traffic would have on our
community.
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In addition, the Iowa Department of Transportation submitted a filing to become party of
record. In their filing they stated that Iowa communities should be provided the same
opportunities for an environmental review and mitigation of impacts similar to what was
provided for Minnesota and South Dakota. The Iowa National Heritage Foundation also
submitted a letter with the same request.
In June 2006 0 M & E Railroad formed a new subsidiary Wyoming Dakota Railroad
Properties, Inc. (WDR) and requested that OM & E construction authority be transferred
to WDR. WDR then filed a request to a waiver of the notice provisions of the Code of
Federal Regulations regarding employees and labor unions (FD #33407). The
governing regulations require notice of the proposed transaction be given 60 days in
advance to employees, labor unions as well as posted. As there are no employees of
the WDR they are requesting a waiver of this requirement. On June 29, 2006 the City of
Dubuque submitted a letter to STB Secretary Vernon Williams citing our concerns over
the causal relationship with the request in FD # 33407 and the not-resolved
environmental concerns related to FD #34177 and 34178.
On November 6, 2006, upon receipt of the draft community partnership agreement from
OM & E, the City contacted a Washington D.C. attorney, Richard Streeter. Mr. Streeter
represents the Mid States Coalition for Progress, a group of Wyoming farmers opposed
to the project. He is well versed in the facts and positions of all parties involved. Mr.
Streeter was retained to rework the community partnership agreement. The agreement
as revised will ease construction of the Bee Branch Project by obtaining easements and
title to property on Garfield Avenue, environmental analysis, mitigation and costs. The
partnership will also address payment for crossing upgrades and safety features. There
is likely to be additional negotiation once the DM&E has an opportunity to review the
proposal by the City.
The City requests the assistance of the Congressional Delegation to obtain State and
Federal railroad funding to mitigate issues created by increased rail traffic in Dubuque.
11. 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
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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.
12. AMTRACK 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,
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 10 final ideas from the Envision 2010. Because it is one of the top 10 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, lA, joined the
Blackhawk Area Rail Coalition (BARC) in their endeavor to re-establish passenger rail
service from Chicago, Illinois to the city of Dubuque. BARC is an Illinois coalition
focused on getting rail service between Chicago, Galena and East Dubuque and is
working as a citizen's committee under the leadership of the Midwest High Speed Rail
Association. With the Association's guidance and directive, BARC has captured the
attention of the Illinois legislature and Amtrak in a positive manner.
Current Status
Commuter rail service ended in the Dubuque area in 1981. The Envision 2010 Rail
Committee views returning passenger rail to Dubuque from Chicago as an alternate
form of transportation and a major influence on the continued economic and tourism
growth of the Dubuque and surrounding area. With the assistance from the State of
Illinois, a feasibility study conducted by Amtrak is nearing completion 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 will outline capital cost and infrastructure costs that include track,
station, platform and equipment for the continuation of service to Dubuque. The study
will also provide readership estimation, revenues and operating costs for the service.
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Challenges
The City and Dubuque Metropolitan Transportation Study (DMA TS) continues to
support the return of Amtrak to Dubuque from Chicago. However, funding challenges
exist for providing a station and platform for the train. Amtrak in their study will provide
costs and alternatives for a station and platform but Amtrak requests that the local
community commit to funding those costs.
The return of Amtrak to Dubuque could partner well with another of the City of
Dubuque's priorities, the planned intermodal facility in the port of Dubuque. Amtrak
looks favorably on intermodal facilities for train stations; however, as stated earlier, it is
up to the local community to commit to those costs.
We request the delegation's support in assisting with the return of Amtrak rail service to
Dubuque from Chicago by providing funding to assist with the infrastructure
improvements such as the train station.
F:IUSERSIDHeiarlFederallnitiativeslCity of Dubuque Priorities & Requests December 2006.doc
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