U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed an announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation on Apr. 10 that Iowa will receive more than $64 million in federal aid to replace 67 bridges and culverts across the state. The funding comes through the Competitive Highway Bridge Program, which was created as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act supported by Grassley.
The funding aims to address a pressing need in Iowa, which leads the nation in bridges requiring repair, according to Grassley. The senator said this investment is vital for maintaining connections between rural communities, businesses, farms, and local traffic throughout Iowa.
“Iowa’s bridges drive our state’s economy, connecting our farm and manufacturing products with national and international markets,” Grassley said. “Unfortunately, Iowa leads the nation in bridges needing repair. I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law to turn that around. I’m glad to see my vote is continuing to deliver for Iowa by replacing bridges across the entire state so rural communities, small businesses, farms and local traffic can stay connected.”
The two grants will support projects spanning more than 40 counties including Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Cedar, Chickasaw, Des Moines and others. One project called Better Bridges Brighter Opportunity will receive nearly $34.7 million to replace 33 bridges grouped into bundles involving state-owned as well as county- and city-owned structures that are all considered in poor condition. Another project named Bridges to Prosperity will get just over $30 million for replacing another set of 34 similarly bundled bridges.
Grassley brings a background of public service dating back to his tenure in the Iowa state legislature from 1958 to 1974 according to his official website. He also has experience working as a sheet metal shearer and assembly line worker according to his official website, as well as degrees in political science from the University of Northern Iowa according to his official website. In addition to serving on key Senate committees with a focus on bipartisan policymaking according to his official website, he actively raises corn and soybeans in Butler County according to his official website.
Grassley’s office notes he assists Iowans with federal agency matters and whistleblower issues according to his official website. Married since 1954 with five children according to his official website, Grassley’s long-standing ties within both agriculture and public service continue through these infrastructure initiatives.
