Elect leaders who will address Iowa’s structural inadequacies

According to recent data from the Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inventory (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/nbi.cfm), Iowa leads the nation in structurally deficient bridges. Of the deficient bridges in our state, more than 96% (4,384) are classified as rural compared to less than 4% (174) classified as urban. The common explanation is that the low populations in rural counties make it difficult to pay for the needed repairs. But wait! Doesn’t the state have a $2 billion budget surplus? Hasn’t a good portion of this surplus come from taxes contributed by the 37% of Iowans who live in communities classified as rural? Does that seem fair?

Fortunately, despite neglect of rural bridges and roads by Iowa lawmakers, recent legislation by the federal government is working to fill the gap. The American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act are providing $1.5 Billion for 747 transportation projects in Iowa (www.iowaatwork.com) including many bridge and road projects. This work is being done entirely by local workers who will spend their paychecks in their hometowns.

Maybe it’s time to make a U-turn and support leaders who focus on the needs of all Iowans, not legislators who have been bypassing our rural communities.

Thomas Cook

Iowa City