The Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments is an association of local governments that is committed to identifying, securing, and coordinating local, regional, and federal government projects and programs for the enhancement of our region and member communities.
Developing Strong Local Government Through Regional Cooperation
News & Highlights
March 2024
City of Waterloo Awarded RCN Grant
The U.S. DOT recently announced awards for the nationally competitive Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program (RCN). Waterloo was one of 72 communities awarded planning funds. The $750,000 award will be used to analyze the location and impacts of the CN Railyard between E 4th St and Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. The study will specifically look at safety, equity, community connection, potential relocation, and economic development.
Follow the City of Waterloo’s Facebook page and the MPO website to stay up to date on this endeavor.
RCN is a discretionary grant program established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program focuses on improving equity for disadvantaged communities who have been impacted by highways, railroads, and other transportation facilities that create barriers to a community’s access to mobility, economic development, and daily needs. Read more about RCN here.
MPO Unveils Draft Complete Streets Policy
The Draft MPO Complete Streets Policy is now available for public review! This important document outlines a vision for our streets that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and mobility for all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. We encourage all residents to take this opportunity to review the draft policy and provide your valuable feedback.
Trail Pavement Conditions Map
The MPO team embarked on a groundbreaking project using the Des Moines MPO’s Iowa Data Bike. This high-tech bicycle is equipped with sophisticated instruments designed to gather trail pavement condition data and high-resolution pavement imagery.
The data has been combined into an Interactive Map, offering an unprecedented look at trail conditions and empowering jurisdictions to develop sustainable maintenance plans.
Draft TPWP Available
The draft FY 2025 Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP) is available for viewing.
The TPWP documents the transportation-related activities and projects that are anticipated to occur in the MPO for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025.
February 2024
Upcoming Public Input Meeting
MET Transit is hosting two public input meetings regarding the restructured routes that will improve efficiency and coverage areas:
Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 11 AM – 1 PM and 3 PM – 6 PM Downtown Central Transfer Center @ 416 Sycamore Street, Waterloo, Iowa
View additional details by clicking the button below. For questions, contact Bill Troe, SRF Consulting at 402-513-2158 or email btroe@srfconsulting.com
November 2023
Passenger Rail Efforts
Read about our conversation with The Courier and KCRG News regarding Passenger Rail efforts below!
Stay up to date on INRCOG’s involvement in Passenger Rail efforts under our Current Projects page, or click here.
2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Adopted!
The MPO Policy Board approved the 2050 LRTP on November 9th, 2023. The LRTP outlines future transportation infrastructure and various issues related to sustainability, accessibility, and efficiency in the Black Hawk County metropolitan area.
Read individual chapters or the full length 2050 LRTP here.
Federal Funding Programs – Annual Applications Open Now
The MPO administers three federal programs that are now open for applications: Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG), and Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA Set-Aside).
Nearly $5 Million is available in total to program towards transportation-related projects in the Black Hawk County MPO. To view guidelines, applications, and additional information, click here.
October 2023
Application Submitted to RCN!
MPO staff collaborated with the City of Waterloo and various partners to submit an application to the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program (RCN)!
The application focuses on the Canadian National Railway (CN) Railyard located in downtown, Waterloo. The aim of the application is to conduct a study that will analyze the social, environmental, and safety impacts of the railyard. If awarded, the study will also analyze relocating the railyard, improving transportation access, and improving overall access to opportunity for our community.
To find out more about the RCN program, visit https://www.transportation.gov/grants/rcnprogram.
Summer 2023
Trails & QR Code Decals!
Summer 2023
Keep an eye out for QR Code Decals that were installed on Wayfinding Signs this past summer! The QR codes lead to the Interactive Trail Map which showcases over 120 miles of trails, trail and bridge closures, various recreational amenities, and more! Visit the map here.
This project was made possible by the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership Grant.
Interactive Maps & Paper Trail Guide
Explore over 125 miles of hard surface trails or embark on a water trail journey of 47 miles with our Interactive Trails Map, Water Trails Map, and our 2023 Cedar Valley Trails & Recreation Guide!
Map QR-Code Cards
Stop into the INRCOG office to grab some Map QR-code cards! The front of the card takes users to the Interactive Cedar Valley Trails Map, and the back of the card takes users to the Cedar Valley Water Trails Map! Contact Aldina Dautović for questions.
Contact Us
229 E Park Ave
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319)-235-0311
inrcog@inrcog.org
Title VI
The MPO receives federal funding and may not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, or national origin according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more information or to obtain a Title VI complaint form, click here.
Disclaimer
This website serves as a means of public access to MPO information and services. This website is subject to change without notice. Use of the information provided is the sole responsibility of the user.
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Black Hawk County MPO 