Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Transportation Commission today (Tuesday) discussed an expansion of a long-time economic development program to help communities hit by disasters. The DOT’s Deb Arp says the RISE program was created during the economic downturn in the 1980’s.
RISE stands for Rebuild Iowa’s Sound Economy, and provides funding to extend roadways for potential new businesses or to help businesses that promise to create new jobs. Arp says the Business Relocation and Job Retention program would meet the guidelines of RISE.
Arp says it would not be used to rebuild flooded roads — but would help businesses relocate to stay viable.
Arp says the applications would have to go through a scoring process to determine if they met the guidelines.
The DOT staff will now put together the language to create the program and bring it back to the Transportation Commission for a vote to approve it. Arp says Rock Valley is one community that could use the program if it is approved.
