(EARLY, IA) - As winter weather draws near, construction continues on Highway 20 across northwest Iowa. The US 20 Association is fighting to continue momentum on the project.
"I grew up south of Galva on a farm and have known all my life that four-lane 20 was coming," laughed Ann Trimble-Ran as she explained her connection with the association. She says Iowa's Department of Transportation has owned "right of way" along Highway 20 in Ida County for more than 40 years. She remembers her parents talking about a four-lane 20 as a child. For the last 15 years she's marketed the US 20 Association, a group pushing for four-lane funding. "We are not served by 4 lane highways, yet we are a very productive part of the state, experiencing some growth despite economic downturns," she said, explaining the project's urgency.
Iowa's DOT has committed tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars to the project in its current five-year plan to realign Highway 20. That will reach Early, IA and Robyn Padgett's Crossroads Restaurant by 2013. "There's a lot of traffic on the highway, so we want it to be better than it is right now and to be more accessible," said Padgett.
Beyond 2013, however, Highway 20's future is uncertain. "As an association we are concerned that Congress is not taking up the highway bill. DOT will not be able to do the long term planning that they typically do," said Trimble-Ray. In five years plans estimate just 40 miles will still be two-lanes, from Early, IA to Moville, IA. Without long term funding plans from Congress, though, Iowa's DOT cannot commit to as many projects across the state, and may not commit to Highway 20. "We don't like to see progress stop, and we definitely have enjoyed significant momentum," said Trimble-Ray.
In January, 2010, the US 20 Association will travel to Des Moines for "Transportation Day" at the state capitol. There, members will pitch for continued funding as Highway 20 competes with other state roadways.
Reported by Jeremy Maskel. You can reach Jeremy at jmaskel@kmeg.com. Friend him on facebook at www.facebook.com/jmaskel, or follow him in the field via twitter at www.twitter.com/jermaskel.
