More than $18 million targeted for Cedar Rapids, Linn infrastructure projects

By James Q. Lynch 

The Gazette

Money earmarked for Cedar Rapids and Linn County continued to grow Friday, with lawmakers working to secure more than $18 million in the $153.2 million infrastructure and standings bills.

House Study Bill 742, the annual Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) bill had $12 million in state funding for Cedar Rapids and Linn County projects and the in the Senate, another $6.6 million was added in HF 2531, the standings bill.

Those numbers could grow if the community can draw funds from various pots of money the RIIF bill.

As introduced, HSB 742 includes $4.4 million for the Linn County Administrative Office Building, $4.4 million for Cedar Rapids city hall – Veterans Memorial Coliseum, $2 million for flood mitigation at the old federal courthouse and $1.2 million for an economic commerce center for small businesses proposed by the Greater Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

The standings bill has $4.5 million for the county administration building and $2.1 million for city flood mitigation.

The RIIF funds are part of $33.6 million in the bill for targeted disaster relief and rebuilding, flood mitigation, and construction projects. The numbers are fluid as negotiations are continuing.

Most of the projects had applied for the $118.5 million in funding that was available through the I-JOBS Board, authorized in SF 376.

Many of the projects were disaster relief or flood mitigation projects that were deferred. Projects that are from the I-JOBS Board deferred list are noted. The projects are being allocated directly to the recipient and will not go through the I-JOBS Board.

The RIIF bill includes $2 million for a wastewater treatment plant in Iowa City, a deferred flood mitigation project.

In addition to the direct funding in the bill, Linn County and Cedar Rapids could compete for funds from a $30 million pot of I-JOBS money.

Those funds would be available if the Legislature agrees with Gov. Chet Culver's proposal to increase I-JOBS bonding. About $100 million in the bonding authority lawmakers approved last year remains unused. Debt service on the bonds that wee sold cost the state less than anticipated. Culver wants to sell more bonds without exceeding the debt service cost the Legislature approved in 2009.

Another source of funds would be the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) and River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism (RECAT) programs. Typically, those funds are for cultural projects and riverfront projects. For Cedar Rapids, that could include riverfront improvements as well as aid for cultural venues recovering from flood damage. Plans for the US Cellular Center, the new community market and a proposed amphitheater might qualify for CAT and RECAT funds.

There's another $10 million in funding for the University of Iowa Institute for Biomedical Discovery and $5 million for an alternative energy revolving loan fund for projects, including small hydro energy projects.

There's also $24.3 million to reimburse the regent universities for deficiencies in their operating funds from pledging of tuition toward the cost of buildings, facilities and utility services. The amount is the same as this year.

The RIIF bill calls for the Department of Economic Development to contract with UI for $10 million to create new floodplain maps. It also provides $1.3 million for the UI Flood Center, the same amount as this year.

West Union is in line to get $1.75 million for reconstruction of existing horizontal infrastructure in downtown West Union to incorporate sustainable development practices such as permeable pavers, and rain gardens to prevent future flooding and reduce storm water runoff. This is a deferred flood mitigation project.

There's another $200,000 for the Cedar Rapids Armed Services Readiness Center.