Appropriations Requests

I want to ensure that the federal government invests in the policies and programs that help move our communities, state, and country forward. That’s why it’s important I hear directly from you about what our federal budget should prioritize.

Since my first day in office, I have been committed to bettering the lives of everyone in Iowa’s Third Congressional District – and that’s precisely what supporting community investments through the congressional appropriations process will do. Our team is excited to hear your recommendations for projects that fit our criteria by: meeting a clear and present need in the community, being administered by local government or eligible nonprofit organizations, and enjoying significant support from community stakeholders.

Community Project Funding Requests For FY2023

For FY2023, the House Appropriations Committee will be continuing their Community Project Funding initiative to allow Members of Congress to target federal funds towards projects and programs that will address the most significant needs facing the communities they represent.

Only state, local, and tribal governments; publicly owned entities (e.g. universities); and non-profit organizations (this includes special districts and quasi-governmental non-profits) were eligible to request Community Project Funding.

The deadline to submit requests has now closed. A list of submitted projects can be found here.

Fiscal Year 2023 Requests

After successfully securing more than $10 million for 9 projects in Iowa's 3rd District, I will again submit funding requests for important community projects in Iowa's Third Congressional District to the House Appropriations Committee.

Under guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funding for up to 15 projects (up from 10 in FY2022) in their community for fiscal year 2023. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and non-profit organizations (this includes special districts and quasi-governmental non-profits) are permitted to receive funding. Additional information on the reforms governing Community Project Funding is available here and here.

In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, I will certify that neither myself, nor my spouse or immediate family have any financial interest in any of the projects I requested.

 

Examples of previous requests (FY2022):

Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Project Name: Van Meter Public Safety Building Project

Amount: $500,000

Recipient: City of Van Meter Public Safety, 505 Grant Street Van Meter, IA 50261

Summary: The City of Van Meter is seeking help with the funding of a new public safety facility. The objectives of this new facility are to provide additional space for public safety equipment, training and provide needed space to provide community para-medicine programming, and a community meeting space for community events. In addition, a major objective is to bring Advance Life Support EMS to the community and surrounding fire district by partnering with Dallas County EMS to house a paramedic unit in the community. The project is based on research by ISG Architecture, Engineering, Environmental and Planning Firm hired by the City of Van Meter and Morton Buildings. Funding in the amount of $1,536,300.00 is needed to complete the facility and up to $500,000.00 is being requested towards construction of the apparatus bay area and public training/meeting facilities as part of the building project. The Van Meter Public Safety apparatus and personnel will house at least one advance life support ambulance from Dallas County EMS. The facility will provide for much needed space for training and community meetings. The project consists of a five bay area with lockers to house fire apparatus and personnel protective equipment, office space and report writing space for fire department operations, living quarters including a day room and sleeping area. The project provides for joint police and fire space in a training room, physical fitness room and locker rooms. The police department houses an evidence room, interview rooms, booking area, flex space for future growth and offices for police operations.

Certification: Axne Certification on Van Meter Public Safety Building Project

 

Project Name: Stanton Childcare Resource Center Expansion Project

Amount: $1,000,000

Recipient: Stanton Childcare Resource Center , 622 Halland Ave, Stanton, Iowa 51573.

Summary: The Stanton Child Resource Center was founded in 2005 to regionally serve children and families in Montgomery, Cass, Fremont, and Page counties. The center is licensed to serve 80 children at one time and currently has 100 children actively enrolled. This high-quality childcare center provides care for children aged six weeks to twelve years of age and offers a three-year-old preschool program during the academic year. Center hours are Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Stanton Child Resource Center has achieved and maintained a Level 5 in the Iowa Quality Rating System since 2016 and is a leader in the region for setting the standard for the highest quality of care for children.

This proposed Stanton Child Resource Center Expansion Project will begin the process of constructing a new center with 11,134 square feet, additional classroom space which would accommodate an additional 49 childcare slots for children. This initiative is led by the Stanton Child Resource Center Board of Directors, Stanton Community Development, Farmers Mutual Telephone Company, the Stanton Community School District, and the Stanton Area Industrial Foundation while also receiving support from the City of Stanton, Southwest Iowa REC and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. This center will be the first building constructed at the new Stanton Industrial Park, serving as a business attraction amenity while serving a larger number of families. In addition, the community of Stanton is recognized as a small but mighty community that rallies around community betterment with a can-do attitude, making great strides with main street revitalization, broadband access, and community greenspace and trail improvements. The expanded and new childcare center is part of a larger renaissance for a community with a population of 641 and its surrounding neighbors.

Certification: Axne Certification on Stanton Childcare Resource Center

 

Project Name: Ringgold Child Care Center Re-Design Programming, Building and Outdoor Play Project

Amount: $725,336

Recipient: Ringgold County Child Care Center, 302 N. Lincoln Street, Mount Ayr 50854.

Summary: Ringgold County Child Care Center (RCCCC) project title, Re-Design: Programming, Building and Outdoor Play Project encompasses the focus of the entire project due to necessitated changes in programming, needed updates to a 24-year-old building, and creating safer outdoor play areas. The RCCCC is a two story, app 9,000 sf Center built in 1997 in Mount Ayr, IA. The Center currently serves 70 children, has leased the basement to 3/4-year-old preschool programs, which will end in May. The RCCCC will provide daycare services to children ages 0-3 starting in August, opening up 30 additional slots for this age group, the highest need for area families. What are the specifics of this project? Programming Re-Design will focus on the 0-3 population. *Creation of younger toddler rooms equipped with needed equipment/learning tools. *Creation of older toddler rooms equipped with needed equipment/learning tools. *Creation of younger 3’s rooms equipped with needed equipment/learning tools. *Creation of older 3’s rooms, that could possibly include some younger 4’s (that aren’t ready for the 4-year-old preschool program at the School) equipped with needed equipment/learning tools. Building Re-Design will include: *Installation of new HVAC systems with humidifier units and ductwork which will be sealed and insulated. *New plumbing lines throughout. *All lighting fixtures replaced with LED lights. *Kitchen remodel including energy efficient stove, dishwasher, vented oven hood, updated exhaust fan, and redesign of current area for additional cooking/storage needs. *New millwork, flooring, PLam countertops, and paint throughout. *Restroom updates including new sinks, toilets, partitions and drywall. Installation of an additional toddler restroom. *New ceiling grid/acoustical ceiling tile in the basement. *Office expansion. *Entryway remodel to create increased security at check in. *Commercial Washer/Dryer. *The exterior of the building will receive new siding, soffit, facia and gutters. *Replacement of 225 sq ft of sidewalk approach to main entry. Outdoor Play Re-Design will include: *The removal of cracked, uneven concrete in one toddler play area, being replaced with a rubberized play surface *Second play area will have a rubberized play surface added along with a new play structure replacing the old play structure. *Installation of shading solution over upper paved large motor playground. Downing Construction will be the contractor for this estimated $725,336 project. The project timeline is June 1, 2022-August 31, 2022. During this time, the Center will relocate day care services to other facilities in town to reduce daycare interruption for families. The most important piece of this project is the CHILDREN. Current research shows that in young brains, social and emotional development has priority over cognitive development. The Ringgold County Child Care Center provides the foundation for these critical skills. Many families and employers in Mount Ayr and the surrounding area depend on the service that the RCCCC provides for children. This project will continue these vital services for the children, families and employers of Ringgold County, Iowa for many years.

Certification: Axne Certification for Ringgold County Child Care Center

 

Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

Project Name: Creston Waterworks Intake Project

Amount: $600,000

Recipient: Creston City Waterworks, 1730 Lark Ave., Creston, IA 50801

Summary: Part 1 of the proposed project will upgrade the 12 Mile Intake by replacing all electrical components, installing new VFDs and motors, repair any damage to the building and address any DNR concerns from our most recent sanitary survey. Part 2 of the project will be to install VFDs on the membrane system blowers, flow pace the coagulant system, upgrade the alarm system, repair valves to allow for greater flexibility in use of the existing ground storage reservoirs, and other minor changes to allow for greater operating flexibility. Both parts of the project will be coordinated simultaneously.

Creston Waterworks needs to upgrade its 12 Mile Intake and 12 Mile Water treatment plant. The raw water intake infrastructure is original from 1986 and has reached the end of its life cycle. A taxpayer funded investment into upgrading water infrastructure will ensure Iowa’s agricultural production, rural communities, and aging/vulnerable populations remains served. It would take Creston Waterworks several years to save for anticipated total cost of $1.125 million. It is an anticipated that current water infrastructure could not last an additional two decades. An unanticipated infrastructure failure would double or triple the cost on state and federal government assistance to repair. This request for Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and 12 Mile intake project (FS-88-21-DWSRF-006) on the Iowa SRF IUP Project Priority List for cost of $1,536,000. Creston Waterworks received an environmental clearance from SRF and one construction permit has been issued. Creston Waterworks signed a Planning & Design loan for this project for $160,000 on 9/25/2020 and was also awarded $600,000 from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for this project in the first quarter of FY 2021 (see attachments). Additional financing will include the State Revolving Fund loans, and local funding as available. A general 4.4% rate increase was adopted in July, 2020. An estimated 7% to 8% rate increase is anticipated to be required after Fiscal Year 2021 to compensate for expected lost revenue. After that time an anticipated planned rate increase of approximately 3% per year is expected to maintain parity with water production costs. The 3% annual rate increase requirement would not include any large capital projects. Replacing this intake infrastructure now at 40% investment from taxpayer funding and 60% investment from Creston Waterworks, a local government entity, and the city of Creston will save the citizens’ money in the long term. The unique partnership between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Finance Authority, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will help ensure this project is transparent and appropriate.

Certification: Axne Certification for Creston Waterworks

 

Project Name: NW Saylorville Drive Sewer Extension Segment A

Amount: $1,000,000

Recipient: City of Johnston, NW Salyorville Drive Sewer Extension Segment A follows the extension of NW 100th Street north of NW 82nd Avenue and continuing north to Beaver Creek generally 5,200 linear feet east of Highway 141 in Johnston, Iowa 50311.

Summary: The City of Johnston is requesting federal assistance to extend 11,820 linear feet of sanitary sewer almost exclusively through federally owned land (Camp Dodge) to connect the northwest portion of the City to the municipal sanitary sewer system. Camp Dodge is a valued part and a source of community pride serving as the Joint Maneuver Training Center for the Iowa National Guard. Camp Dodge’s location, however, produces a barrier for existing City infrastructure from the growth area according in the northwest part of the City. Camp Dodge has graciously allowed the City access through their property for this project; however, the City is still faced with the challenges of the additional expenses of sewer line extension through an area that will not be accessing services and sewer line realignment to avoid environmental sensitive areas located on the Camp Dodge property. At full build out this project is anticipated to serve up to 16,000 future Johnston residents and provide an additional $1.2 billion in combined residential and commercial taxable valuation in alignment with Johnston’s Thrive 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Without the municipal sewer line extension, development in the northwest portion of Johnston will continue with septic systems, impeding much needed housing development in the Des Moines Metro Area. Federal assistance is vital to this project to help defray the additional costs due to having to go through the Camp Dodge property, thus opening approximately 2,300 acres for new development within the City Johnston.

With Segment A of the NW Saylorville Drive Sewer Extension running almost exclusively through Camp Dodge, the lack of direct users and additional realignment expenses due to sensitive environmental areas has created a significant funding gap. Today the Des Monies Metro Area faces a housing shortage crisis, especially those looking for workforce and/or first-time homebuyer housing. If sewer were available in the northwest portion of the City, efforts would be underway to meet that demand. Adding to the School District, County and City’s tax base. The NW Saylorville Drive Sewer Extension Segment A will also allow for septic system-based development in this area to be discontinued. Positively impacting Beaver Creek which is currently listed on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources impaired waters list for high levels of E Coli bacteria. In addition to the tremendous economic impact the development of almost 2,300 acres will have for the residents of Johnston, Polk County, Des Moines Metro Area, and the State of Iowa. Please see attached Polk County Zoning Map and Polk County Zoning Ordinance that shows this area as high density and the County’s requirements for septic systems.

Certification: Axne Certification for NW Saylorville Drive Sewer Extension Segment A

 

Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

Project Name: Primary Health Care Dental Project

Amount: $100,000

Recipient: Primary Health Care, Inc. 1200 University Ave. #200, Des Moines, IA 50314

Summary: Primary Health Care, Inc. (PHC) is requesting the total amount of $100,000 to purchase new dental operatory equipment at the Bery Engebretsen Dental Clinic located at 2353 SE 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. The Bery Engebretsen Dental Clinic is 14 years old and outdated, with original finishes and equipment. In 2019 – prior to the onset of COVID-19 – the clinic saw 3,867 patients for a total of 8,282 visits.

Bery Engebretsen Dental Clinic recently started the process of updating its approximately 7,000 square feet with new paint, flooring, and furniture in all common areas - front desk and reception, provider offices, breakroom, and restrooms - as well as installation of all-new sterilization equipment. Current operatory equipment is out-of-date and obsolete, and the costs for ongoing repairs are cost prohibitive.

PHC is committed to providing comprehensive services to our underserved populations and having reliable and efficient equipment directly impacts PHC’s ability to do so. If awarded, PHC will purchase and replace existing dental equipment including new dental chairs, work stations, and cabinetry in five of the nine operatory rooms. 

The results of this project will allow to PHC to increase its capacity to see more low-income patients. PHC is the only dental provider in Polk County, Iowa that offers a sliding fee scale and one of the few providers who accepts patients on Medicaid. PHC patients have barriers to care; 36% of its patients are uninsured, another 36% are on Medicaid, and 7% are on Medicare – 19% have private insurance. Of all patients served by PHC, 93% live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). PHC is prepared to respond to the community challenges and barriers to care of limited Medicaid dental providers, lack of transportation assistance, and lack of culturally sensitive care by updating and renovating its Bery Engebretsen Dental Clinic.

Certification: Axne Certification on Primary Health Care, Inc.

 

Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Project Name: South End Housing Development Program, City of Council Bluffs

Amount: $904, 336.43

Recipient: City of Council Bluffs, 21st Avenue to 23rd Avenue and South Expressway Project 2. Generally located along South 19th Street from 25th to 26th Avenue

Summary: The primary goal of the South End Housing Development Program is creation of new affordable housing while increasing the tax base for Council Bluffs resiliency. The infrastructure projects within the Program will create between 75 and 100 new housing units and an estimated $40 million in new tax base on two vacant properties that are generating less than $1,000 in taxes. An federal funding investment will exponentially benefit Council Bluffs and Iowa.

The City of Council Bluffs wishes to expand its affordable housing pool through the funding of the South End Housing Development Program. In order to meet this goal, the City has identified infrastructure projects within the South End neighborhood that will facilitate the construction of single-family and multi-family housing units. The project begins at 21st Avenue and South Expressway and the City proposes completion of an infrastructure project to create a site-ready development on city-owned property. The site will accommodate the construction of a 75-100 unit multi-family development with an affordability requirement. At least 51% of the units constructed must be rented or sold to households at or below 80% of the median family income. The project will require the acquisition of one single-family home (522 22nd Avenue); reconstruction of 21st Avenue to city standards; and site restoration including bring in 20,000 cubic yards of fill dirt to raise the site three feet. Upon completion, the City will advertise an RFP for a private developer to construct an affordable housing project.

Certification: Axne Certification for South End Housing Devleopment Program

 

Project Name: North Glycol Storage Tank Repair

Amount: $3,267,000

Recipient: Des Moines International Airport (DSM), 5800 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321

Summary: This project is part of an aircraft apron expansion that will provide deicing pads for aircraft deicing near the terminal. The new deicing pads will concentrate the glycol runoff and send it to an existing collection system that captures glycol from aircraft deicing operations around the terminal. The contaminated storm water and glycol management system primarily consists of drains, piping, diversion structures and three underground retention tanks. The largest tank (North Detention), a 4 million gallon tank, is approximately 258 feet long by 136 feet wide, and is divided into 4 cells. It is constructed of cast-in-place concrete floors, walls and columns with precast, prestressed double tee roof members. Due to deterioration of the cast-in-place walls, repairs are necessary in order to preserve the tank for future use and the more highly concentrated glycol solution that will be stored in the tank. Once the entire project is completed, the high concentrate glycol solution can be recycled instead of treated at a waste water management plant, a much more environmentally sound procedure. Repair of this glycol storage tank is critical to the new terminal development plan. Future deicing pads will be installed so that de-icing operations are contained to a specific area on the ramp, resulting is highly concentrated glycol flowing to the tank. The higher concentration will allow for recycling of the material and significantly reduce the amount of glycol that has to be treated through the sanitary sewer.

Certification: Axne Certification for Des Moines International Airport

 

Project Name: Raccoon River East Pedestrian Bridge

Amount: $1,000,000

Recipient: City of West Des Moines , location between Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265 and Walnut Woods State Park, 3155 Walnut Woods Drive, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265

Summary: City of West Des Moines The Raccoon River East Pedestrian Bridge will connect Raccoon River Park on the north side of the Raccoon River in West Des Moines to Walnut Woods State Park on the south. Part of West Des Moines’ Five Waters Project – an initiative focused on the Raccoon River Greenway corridor – the 650-foot pedestrian bridge is all about enhancing connectivity. The physical connection between two major parks is only the starting point. The bridge will ultimately connect the existing 65-mile city trail system on the north to proposed trails and the larger regional trail system south of the river. More broadly, the bridge will provide alternate transportation opportunities for residents living, working, and playing on both sides of the river. It will also enhance the connection of people with nature via an overlook in the middle of the bridge allowing visitors to engage with the river and the natural areas along it from a different perspective.

The project will establish a trail connection between several well-established public recreation and natural resource areas in West Des Moines. Raccoon River Park is a large 632-acre regional park offering both passive and active recreational experiences, along with several hundred acres of natural area. The centerpieces of the park are Blue Heron Lake, a 232-acre State-owned and City-managed lake that provides water access for area anglers, boaters, paddlers, and swimmers, and the Raccoon River that borders the park on the south. Key facilities within the park include a dog park, archery facility, swimming beach, playground, shelters, restrooms, and soccer and softball complexes. The park also contains a fully accessible fishing pier, boat ramp and parking area, a Nature Lodge for rentals and nature programming, a Boathouse for non-motorized boat rentals, and a 3.2-mile trail around the lake. The loop trail connects to the rest of the City’s 65-mile trail system and will connect to the north end of the proposed bridge. The park has ample parking areas to accommodate these uses, as well as the parking needs of pedestrians and bicyclists using the proposed bridge. On the other side of the river, Walnut Woods State Park is a 260-acre public park protecting a bottomland hardwood forest featuring a large natural stand of black walnut trees. The adjacent Raccoon River provides a variety of fishing and paddling opportunities. The park contains picnic areas, a limestone lodge built in the 1930’s, and a campground featuring 22 camp sites. The park contains 2.5 miles of soft-surface trails which will connect to the south side of the proposed bridge. Immediately to the east of Walnut Woods State Park is Hidden Valley Soccer Complex owned by the West Des Moines Soccer Club, a local non-profit organization that provides soccer opportunities for approximately 2,000 children. This 35-acre multi-field complex features eight full-sized soccer fields, a concession stand, restrooms, on-site meeting rooms, and large parking lot. The proposed bridge will provide a pedestrian connection between Hidden Valley Soccer Complex and the soccer complex in Raccoon River Park. The project is located within the Raccoon River Greenway, a riparian corridor that runs from 1st Street on the east side of West Des Moines to the current City limits 10 miles to the west. In addition to the abovementioned park and recreation areas, the greenway encompasses Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve (Polk County Conservation), Purple Martin Water Resource Area (Des Moines Water Works, property owned by Des Moines Water Works, and other property owned by the City of West Des Moines. The Raccoon River itself is a 30.8-mile-long tributary of the Des Moines River flowing from west to east through the City. When measured using the longest of its three forks, the length of the river increases to 226 miles with a watershed that extends northwest into Buena Vista County. The Raccoon River has played a critical role in providing drinking water for the Des Moines metropolitan area. The river has also become popular for paddling sports and is viewed by the City as its most important natural resource. The Raccoon River East Pedestrian Bridge project will tie all these pieces together. The proposed bridge will be a 650-foot long and 14-foot wide bridge spanning the Raccoon River. It is proposed to be a 3-span structure with ADA-accessible access on both ends, all above the 100-year floodway. A feasibility study was done in 2018 to review the river hydraulics and floodway, possible bridge locations, bridge types, and opinion of probably costs. After determining that the bridge was feasible from an engineering and permitting standpoint, the City contracted with an engineering firm to proceed with necessary permitting and preparation of construction documents. This work is nearly complete. In addition to the bridge itself, the proposed project includes construction of a 10-foot wide paved trail from the south end of the bridge to connect to a proposed trailhead and parking lot in the far southeast corner of Walnut Woods State Park. The project also includes a paved trail connection and reconstruction of a portion of the existing gravel trail in Raccoon River Park. If awarded, Community Project funding would be used for the construction of the Raccoon River East Pedestrian Bridge and associated trails. Costs associated with design, engineering, and permitting have already been funded by the City.

Certification: Axne Certification for Raccoon River East Pedestrian Bridge

 

Project Name: Warren County Bridge Replacement Project

Amount: $1,600,000

Recipient: City of Indianola

Summary: This project would replace the existing bridge on County Highway R57 over the North River in Warren County with a pretensioned prestressed concrete beam (PPCB) bridge. The bridge is located on a major county highway, and the current bridge has a sufficiency rating of 02 and is classified as poor. The bridge is narrow and has a crash history. Award of this project would improve traffic safety in the area and reduce the amount of bridges on Warren County's paved road system with reduced load ratings.

Certification: Axne Certification for Warren County Bridge Replacement

 

National Defense Authorization Act Requests

Project Name: Enlisted Barracks Transient Training Addition

Amount: 3,700,000

Recipient: Iowa Army National Guard, 7105 NW 70th Ave, BLDG S48, Camp Dodge, Johnston IA 50131

Summary: To construct an 11,186 SF Enlisted Barracks, Transient Training Addition to Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center (CDJMTC) Building S54 that supports training, administration, and logistical requirements for the IAARNG 230 days/year. This facility will be built on Federal land with no state cost share.

Certification: Axne Certification for Camp Dodge Barracks