Senator Harkin visited Keokuk officials to discuss transportation projects in the area. Harkin secured $3 million for improvements to Highway 218 in FY 2004. Harkin also secured $110,000 for Lee County to make improvements to the Great River Road around Montrose and the old Fort Madison in the recently-passed Transportation bill.

I started day five of my tour in the farthest Southeast corner of Iowa - Keokuk. I woke up early this morning and had an opportunity to visit the Mississippi River, and drive across the Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge. It was great to see that there is a walking and bike path along the bridge. Read about the HeLP America Act

Before I headed over to the Main Street to see the new Highway 218, I stopped by the Keokuk Cemetery to see the new Veterans Memorial. My eye was drawn to the Navy section where I noticed some of the old planes mixed with the new fighters. It's great to see the community come together and honor local veterans. I noticed that there's even some space left to recognize the local National Guardsmen and Guardswomen fighting in Iraq.

Tom at the Keokuk Veterans Memorial

As I drove through town, I was drawn to the new sidewalks and old fashioned light posts that decorate Main Street. I was happy to see that along with the new sidewalks, there were curb cuts at all of the intersections. Read more on Disabilities Issues

When I arrived on Main Street, I was met by Mayor Dave Gudgel, and Katie O'Brien, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, I have been fortunate to work with the Keokuk community to get federal resources for economic development and community revitalization. This has improved the roads, transportation infrastructure, and airports, schools, as well as community improvements such as those to Lock and Dam 19. The city of Keokuk has used this money wisely and has levered it to secure additional resources to make community improvements. Greg Gobble from Linder Aviation told me that he was able to leverage the federal grants to secure additional grants to improve the airport infrastructure.

I was extremely impressed by Katie O'Brien's comments about the substantial efforts of the Keokuk businesses community to community revitalization along Highway 218 and throughout the Keokuk area. Just a few weeks ago, the Chamber recognized 64 businesses for their efforts-including business development, new construction, renovations and remodeling, and expansions. More than one-third of the businesses recognized are located in area of Highway 218 which I visited today.

Mayor Gudgel, Katie, and local business owners walked with me down part of Main Street to see the positive impact the Highway reconstruction made on the local businesses. The owner of Angelina's Pizza told me that just since the Highway was completed, he has noticed a $1200 increase in his weekly sales! I also enjoyed some coffee and blueberry muffins courtesy of Java Creek Cafe. The Winn family sure knows how to make a good cup of coffee!