Join Eye 380 effort to beautify roadways

Members of Eye 380, a group of volunteers working to improve the appearance of Interstate 380 through the metro area, were delighted to read in The Gazette (Aug. 3) the support of two councilmen, Chuck Swore and Don Karr, for landscaping and other ways to upgrade the freeway. Interstate 380 is an important avenue through the city and the way it looks can be a reflection on the entire area.

Many, I'm sure, have seen our pilot project on the southbound on-ramp off Boyson Road in Hiawatha. Our plan is to replicate that design at other places on the interstate. Eye 380 operates under a program sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT), a fund that has been used extensively by other Iowa cities to enhance roadsides of major arterials and interstates.

DOT provides grants for initial development and two years of maintenance. After that, upkeep becomes the responsibility of a local organization like Eye 380. That's where community financial support comes in.

We also welcome people at our meetings, 4 p.m. on first Wednesdays at Trees Forever offices in Marion. Trees Forever provides meeting space and ancillary services. We also have had tremendous support from the Kirkwood Community College horticulture department, Hall and Hall Engineers, marketing experts and parks officials in Hiawatha and Cedar Rapids.

We invite all who envision a more attractive I-380 to join our undertaking. It's amazing what citizens can do to improve their own environment.

Dale Kueter

Eye 380 member

Cedar Rapids