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NEVI covers planning, acquisition, installation and operational costs of the EV unit. (Adobe Stock/serperm73)

IA joins nationwide network of EV charging stations

Iowa is accepting bids from people who want an EV charging station on their land. It's part of a nationwide network of infrastructure designed to …

IowaAtwork.com is an interactive map of 3,240 infrastructure projects totaling more than $13 million in federal investments in Iowa. (Progress Iowa)

IA group offers successful messaging as national blueprint

An Iowa advocacy group has won a high-profile award from the Analyst Institute, which measures how well a group's message reaches citizens. …

Connecting rural Iowans to the internet has been a critical part of federal investments in the state. (Progress Iowa)

Administration invests $7.8 billion in Iowa infrastructure

Progress Iowa has released new information showing how billions of dollars of federal infrastructure investments have made a crucial difference in the…

The number of pedestrian deaths in Iowa fell by nearly 44%, from 32 to 18 between 2021 and 2022, according to the Governor's Highway Safety Association. The state has directed funds to 10 locales to focus on making conditions safer for pedestrians. (Adobe Stock)

IA Pedestrian Deaths Down Sharply

While the number is down in Iowa, more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed in the United States last year, a 40-year high. A new report from the …

Project developers have announced ambitions for more than 200 new capture facilities to be operating by 2030, capturing more than 220 metric tons of CO2 per year globally, according to the International Energy Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Environmentalists Build Opposition to CO2 Pipelines at Des Moines Hearing

The federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulates carbon dioxide pipelines, and is holding a two-day conference in Des …

Electric-car sales reached a record high in 2021, despite supply chain bottlenecks and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with 2020, sales nearly doubled to 6.6 million, according to the International Energy Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Experts School IA Emergency Responders on EV Car Crashes

With more electric vehicles on the road, automakers are training emergency workers in best practices to respond to crashes involving the battery-…

One billion people in more than 193 countries participate in Earth Day activities, according to Earth Day Network. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Educators Focus on Sustainability During Earth Month

As part of Earth Month, an extension of the annual Earth Day celebration, educators and researchers are calling on Iowans to put sustainability first …

According to a 2022 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, 3% of drivers fiddle with their cell phones in their car, a dangerous act taking a driver's eyes off the road for five seconds. It is more than enough time to get into a fatal car accident, more than 3,100 of which are caused by distracted driving each year. (Adobe Stock)

IA Senate Advances Hands-Free Cell Phone Bill

The Iowa Senate has advanced a bill to outlaw handling a cellphone while driving. The state already has a distracted driving law, but it allows …

In some parts of the country, cities have had to suspend garbage service because of staffing shortages. (Adobe Stock)

Staffing Issues Spread to Iowa's Local Governments

Local governments in Iowa say they're not immune to hiring challenges seen in the private sector, which is prompting municipalities to rethink how …

Since 2017, Iowa communities have received more than $165,000 in Community Challenge grants. (Adobe Stock)

As Infrastructure Work Ramps Up, IA Communities Can Pitch In

Iowa is poised to receive $5 billion from the new federal infrastructure law. And separate grant opportunities are available to help spur smaller…

A number of leading economists have said a lack of investment in child=care infrastructure has hurt the U.S. economy by keeping more women out of the workforce. (Adobe Stock)

IA Leaders: Economic Planning Must Be More Inclusive

When plans come together for new retail centers and office buildings, policy experts and local leaders in Iowa said municipal and real-estate …

In a national survey, 50% of school transportation coordinators said the rate of pay is a major factor that affects their ability to recruit and retain school bus drivers. (Adobe Stock)

Better Pay, Community Trust Linked to School Bus Driver Shortage

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa -- Iowa school districts are reporting bus driver shortages as the academic year gets underway. Transportation officials said more …

Researchers say with relaxed auto-emissions standards in the U.S., more than 1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions will come from cars built under a weaker rule. (Adobe Stock)

IA Leaders Renew Calls for Restablishing Clean Car Standards

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa continues to see the harmful effects of climate change, according to environmental advocates and Democratic elected …

At a time when the nation is dealing with a pandemic, environmental groups say the Trump administration creates a risk of more premature deaths by weakening auto-emission standards. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Contend Rolling Back Auto Emission Standards will Hurt IA

DES MOINES, Iowa. -- Environmental groups say Iowa residents will feel the harmful effects of weaker auto-emission standards now moving forward under …

AAA says older drivers often try to avoid driving at night or during rush hours. But experts say new technology is available in many vehicles to help keep them safe and mobile. (NSC.org)<br />

Iowa Seniors Encouraged to Use Safe-Driving Technology

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As the new year takes shape, automakers continue work on getting self-driving cars to the masses. Industry experts say seniors …

Charles City, Iowa's second livable community as defined by AARP, is home to a vintage movie house with nightly film screenings.(cinematreasures.org)

Charles City Named 2nd Iowa 'Livable Community'

CHARLES CITY, Iowa – Charles City is working to become a "livable community" – a place where extra attention is paid to the environmental…

Des Moines recorded 13.7 million visitors in 2016, a new record for Iowa's capital city. (AARP)

Transforming Livability, One Block at a Time

DES MOINES, Iowa – Urban-design experts know downtown vitality is critical to a city's success, and Des Moines will take up the challenge next …

A new study says automobiles are so much cleaner than 100 years ago, perfumes and household cleaning agents are taking over the top spot for urban air pollution. (indoorpollution.info)

Study: Indoor Pollution Becoming Worse than Outdoor Pollution

DES MOINES, Iowa – A new study has come up with a surprising result: Because cars are now dramatically cleaner than they used to be, products …

Researchers encourage Iowans to factor the risks of climate change into any plans for development in low lying areas. (12019/Pixabay)

Report: While Coasts Grab Headlines, Climate Change Threatens Midwest

DES MOINES, Iowa – Parts of the country along the coasts have been battered this year by Mother Nature, and a new study from the Midwest …

Patrol officers say the best policy for mobile phones in traffic is

Texting and Driving Becomes a Primary Offense in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – If the dangers involved with texting and driving aren't enough, Iowa motorists will soon have a financial incentive to put …

Could taxpayers end up footing the bill under President Trump's infrastructure plan? (Pixabay)

Private Infrastructure Investment Could Bypass Rural America

DES MOINES, Iowa - During his address to Congress on Tuesday, President Trump called for $1 trillion in public and private investment to rebuild the …

Some Iowa mayors were part of a group that met with congressional leaders and top administration officials this week in Washington. (Matt Popovich/Flickr)

Iowa Mayors Elevate Urban Voices in Nation's Capital

WASHINGTON – Some mayors from Iowa are in Washington this week hoping their voices are heard as a new president is sworn into office. Nearly 30…

The Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund could help create bike paths, and other ways to help Iowans be more active. (Pixabay)

Fund the Trust, Preserve Iowa's Natural Heritage

DES MOINES, Iowa – With 2016 coming to a close, a broad-based coalition is looking to 2017 as a year to preserve Iowa's natural heritage and …

Last year, almost 4,900 Iowans had a driver's license suspended for six months for drug convictions unrelated to driving. (Pixabay)

Report Calls for Ending Automatic License Suspensions

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa should join the majority of states in ending the practice of automatically suspending the drivers' licenses of anyone …

Elkader�s Whitewater Park and River Access was recognized as a Smart Growth Project in 2015. (Elkader Whitewater Project)

It's Time to Showcase "Smart Growth" Projects in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Innovative ideas are spurring projects that advance sustainability in Iowa, and some of those efforts will soon receive special …

Social-service groups say evicting people from Des Moines' homeless camps simply moves the problem instead of solving it. (tom stovall/Flickr)

Fight for the Homeless Ramps up in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa — A fight for the homeless is ramping up in Des Moines. Eviction notices with a deadline of August 29th went up at several …

Even though school is out, budgeting and planning for programs making walking to school safer are now in the works. (HealthierIowa.com)

More Funding Needed to Make Iowa Communities Walkable

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Transportation Improvement Program's five-year plan recently released by the Iowa Department of Transportation includes nearly …

In order to keep traffic fatalities down, additional Iowa State Police officers will be on the roads in this weekend leading up to Monday's July 4th celebrations. (dps.state.ia.us)

Iowa State Police Urge Drivers to Stay Safe Over Holiday

DES MOINES, Iowa – The latest numbers show 174 people have died in traffic accidents so far during 2016 in Iowa. Trooper Vince Kurtz, a public …

A bill using funds already in place says Iowa recovery efforts could be better coordinated after a natural disaster. (National Weather Service)

Iowa Could Update, Coordinate Disaster Response Efforts

DES MOINES, Iowa - After a major weather incident like the tornado that hit Stanton in southwestern Iowa last week, water, food and shelter can …

Flooding, such as that seen in Iowa in 2008, could be avoided in part through better topsoil management. (Newtben33/Wikimedia Commons)

Iowans Work to Save "Actual" Earth on Earth Day

DES MOINES, Iowa - The nutrient-rich topsoil that's taken away to level the land when homes and other new buildings are constructed doesn't often get …

River Place in Cedar Falls won top honors for a new residential project in the Best Development Awards presented by 1000 Friends of Iowa. (River Place)

Rewarding Sustainability, "Smart Growth" in Iowa Communities

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowans working toward sustainable development and community improvement are being honored for it. The "Best Development Awards" …

According to the Center for Rural Affairs, the process of permitting new wind energy projects could be streamlined with a single source of approval. Credit: axnjax.

Zoned Out: Removing Barriers to Wind Energy in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa is already among the nation's leaders in wind energy, but a new report points to changes that the state could make to turn …

The new federal Transportation Department safety rules for oil shipments by rail are being challenged in court with the petitioners saying they don't go far enough. Credit: Kirby Urner/Flickr.

Legal Challenge Brought Over Oil Train Safety Rules

DES MOINES, Iowa – A legal challenge has been mounted against the U.S. Department of Transportation, claiming proposed new agency rules don't …

PHOTO: People looking for a perfect place to call home need to look no farther than Iowa. Cedar Rapids (pictured above) and Marion have both made the top 10 in the Livability Index for cities their size. The index is from AARP and ranks communities based on categories such as housing, transportation, environment, health and opportunity. Photo credit: Stijn Debrouwere/Flickr.

Cedar Rapids, Marion Among Nation's Most Livable Communities

DES MOINES, Iowa - Some Iowa communities are being called among the best in the nation for people being able to remain active and engaged, get where …

PHOTO: Iowa has one of the country's highest percentages of bridges in need of major repair or upgrading, according to a new report that breaks down the numbers state by state. Photo credit: Carl Wycoff/Flickr.

Iowa Among Nation's Worst for Percentage of Bridges on the Brink

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa has one of the highest percentages in the nation of bridges that are in need of major repairs or upgrades, according to a new …

PHOTO: Iowans get a chance to weigh in today and next week as the Environmental Protection Commission holds hearings on proposed changes to the state's four-inch rule on topsoil. Photo credit: Carmen Shields/Flickr.

Hearings Begin in Battle Over Iowa's Topsoil Rule

DES MOINES, Iowa - A series of public hearings begins today on a controversial proposal to change the rule on the preservation of topsoil at Iowa's …

PHOTO: Voices across Iowa are calling for a 'Fix It First' approach to roads and bridges, following Tuesday's passage of a bill to raise the state gas tax by 10-cents. Photo credit: Phil Roeder/Flickr.

Iowa Legislature Approves Gas Tax Hike for Roads, Bridges

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Legislature has approved a 10-cent hike in the state's gas tax to fund roads and bridges, and residents and …

PHOTO: Among the winners of this year's Best Development Awards from 1000 Friends of Iowa is the Madison Flats apartment building in Des Moines. Photo courtesy: 1000 Friends of Iowa.

Building with a Future Focus: Iowa's Residential Revolution

DES MOINES, Iowa - It's been a steadily changing trend in Iowa - and more often, there's a focus on the future and quality of life in residential …

PHOTO: The Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund approved by Iowa voters in 2010 remains unfunded but that could soon change with 2015 session, underway today (Monday). Photo credit: Tony Fischer/Flickr.

Tax Hikes On the Table as 2015 Session Opens Today

DES MOINES, Iowa – The gavel comes down today to open the 2015 Iowa Legislature, and among the proposals to be considered is a move to raise …

PHOTO: The turkey is done, but the traveling is not, as folks across Iowa and the country are boarding planes this weekend to get back and forth to gatherings with friends and family. Photo credit: Scott McLeod/Flickr.

Heading to the Airport? Know Your Passenger Rights

DES MOINES, Iowa – This weekend is one of the busiest of the year at airports across the country, and while the thought of delays or lost bags …

PHOTO: Among last year's winners of Iowa's Best Development Awards is the Appanoose Rapids Brewing Company and Loft Apartments in Ottumwa. Photo courtesy of Appanoose.

Developing Iowa with a Sustainable Approach, Not Sprawl

DES MOINES, Iowa – The search is on once again for the most innovative projects across Iowa that follow so-called smart growth initiatives…

PHOTO: An AARP study says 90 percent of the 45+ population would like to stay in their community and near family and friends as they age. Making it convenient to walk instead of drive is one way to help. Photo credit: AnneCN/Flickr

Iowa Communities Take Steps to Become Healthier, More Livable

DES MOINES, Iowa – It's said to be a key factor in creating healthier and more livable communities, and the walkability of Iowa towns and …

PHOTO: Iowa's Environmental Protection Commission will meet mid-July to begin discussions on possible changes to the state's rule on topsoil restoration at construction sites. Photo credit: 1,000 Friends of Iowa.

IA's Topsoil Rule: Changes Could Worsen Flooding

DES MOINES, Iowa – In an agricultural state such as Iowa, topsoil is one of the most valued natural resources. But concerns are being raised …

PHOTO: Waterloo is one of three cities in the state being lauded for making development decisions with all modes of transit in mind, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Photo credit: David Wilson

A Tale of Two Travels: Expanding Sprawl vs. Complete Streets

WATERLOO, Iowa – It's a tale of two travels in Iowa, as some communities have made the list of cities dealing with the most sprawl, while …

PHOTO: Appanoose Rapids Microbrewery and Loft Apartments in Ottumwa. Photo credit: Appanoose

Cheers to Iowa Revitalized: From Battered Down to Brewing Beer

OTTUMWA, Iowa - What was once a building considered for demolition in the town of Ottumwa is now being called a shining example of the positive …

PHOTO: Long after the record flooding of 2008 and more in years to follow, communities in Iowa continue to work on creating riverbank redevelopment that's more resilient and sustainable. Photo couresty: Coast Guard News

Iowa City's Riverfront Crossings: From Flood Prone to Urban Renewal

IOWA CITY, Iowa - It may seem far off with the cold temperatures of today, but spring eventually will arrive, and along with it the threat of rising …

PHOTO: Nearly half of Iowa roads are in poor shape and 23 percent of Iowa bridges are considered to be functionally obsolete, according to a study from the transportation research group 'TRIP.' Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

Report: 42% of Iowa Roads in Poor Condition

DES MOINES, Iowa - Nearly half of Iowa roads are in poor shape, and 23 percent of Iowa bridges are considered to be functionally obsolete, according …

Getting a Degree in Homeland Security

DES MOINES, Iowa - Eleven years after 9/11, the first group of graduates from Des Moines Area Community College's new program in Homeland Security …

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IA: Urban Planning and Transportation