Economic Development Administration (EDA) Technical Assistance Program Copyright 2014
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 7.
ITEM TITLE: Economic Development Administration (EDA) Technical
Assistance Program
SUMMARY: City Manager transmitting a letter of support for the East
Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA)and
Blackhawk Hills Council of Governments application to the
Economic Development Administration's (EDA)Technical
Assistance program to complete a comprehensive freight
study in an eight-county region in Illinois and Iowa.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Letter fo Support for ECIA Supporting Documentation
Dubuque City Manager's Office
THE CITY OF q City Hall
50 West 13th Street
D`LJ_rB OM All-America City Dubuque,Iowa 52001-4805
/ Office(563)589-4110
Fax(563)589-4149
Masterpiece on the Mississippi TTY(563)690-6678
2007-2012-2013 ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org
www.cityofdubuque.org
January 15, 2016
Steve Castaner, Economic Development Representative
Economic Development Administration
Technical Assistance Grant Program
Dear Mr. Castaner:
The City of Dubuque supports East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) and ;•
Blackhawk Hills Council of Governments application to the Economic Development
Administration's Technical Assistance program to complete a comprehensive freight study in an
eight county region in Illinois and Iowa.
The movement of freight is critical to the economic vitality and growth of the businesses in
Dubuque Iowa and our surrounding counties. The success of this study hinges on the input and
engagement of local businesses, freight companies, railroads, air and barge providers in the
region. The comprehensive report that will be developed from this study will provide key
recommendations for existing and future roadway, rail, river, intermodal, and other freight
facilities in the region and will provide the groundwork for additional economic growth for the
region.
The City of Dubuque is excited to be part of this study and will participate on the steering
committee to provide input for the consultant selection; meet with businesses through focus
groups, on-line surveys, and one-on-one visits to discuss the freight study and to obtain input;
help identify supply chain patterns in the region; assist in identifying important regional
characteristics; identify outcomes and performance measures; connect with educational
institutions and provide input for future logistics related training programs as the result of the
business interviews and focus group meetings; and will work assist in developing the long and
short term goals and strategies for future development.
The City of Dubuque commits $14,560 in in-kind contributions over the 18 month time period
of this project. Freight movement is critical to the success of our businesses and if freight
movement becomes unreliable or inefficient, the cost of doing business increases. This study
will provide the foundation for future freight development activities in the region. I urge EDA to
support and fund this project.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork