Cedar Rapids secures ‘landmark’ $56 million federal grant to fund Eighth Avenue Bridge replacement

CEDAR RAPIDS — After lobbying for years, Cedar Rapids has secured $56.4 million in federal funding to replace the Eighth Avenue Bridge — a key segment of the city’s permanent flood control system that has long been awaiting funding.

The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Costsaving Transportation (PROTECT) grant program and will support the estimated $76.1 million project to replace the “Arc of Justice” Bridge. It was announced through Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley’s office, as he voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that made funding available.

The new structure will be elevated, connecting both sides of the Cedar River during floods. Cedar Rapids officials have been lobbying for years to secure federal funding, but until now the project hasn’t yet received funds, though it has scored in the top category as “highly recommend.”

The bridge will limit the need to evacuate areas behind the completed flood control system, improve trail access and expand connectivity across the river.

It would be a single-pier cable stayed bridge designed for a 100-year life span. Instead of the current seven piers, it would have a single pier to improve the flow of the river and reduce upstream water levels.

“This project holds significance for the entire community. I am incredibly proud of the team effort. Our perseverance has paid off,” City Manager Jeff Pomeranz said in a statement. “This federal funding award is an acknowledgment of the importance of the Flood Control System in Cedar Rapids and the effectiveness of the City’s approach.”

The project is approximately 30 percent designed, according to the city, and funding will speed up remaining design work. Cedar Rapids staff have been actively updating environmental clearance documents in preparation for construction.

Construction is slated to start in 2027, with an estimated three-year working window. Construction will be coordinated with the existing west side flood control system as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ east side work, which is expected to wrap up in 2026.

The bridge's completion is necessary for final certification of the east side.

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In August 2023, when the city council signed off on the PROTECT grant application, Cedar Rapids Flood Control Manager Rob Davis said the grant would cover 80 percent of the project costs, and the city would have to provide a local match of 20 percent. Cedar Rapids was awarded the full amount it requested. The local match will be covered through general obligation bonds and Iowa Flood Mitigation Program funds.

The city also earned a $1 million grant from the Iowa DOT’s City Bridge Program for use toward the bridge.

“This award is a testament to the power of nonpartisan collaboration and a long-standing commitment to meeting the needs of our diverse population,” Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said in a statement. “As severe weather events intensify, the Arc of Justice Bridge will stand as a symbol of our work to shape a future where every community member can thrive.”

Grassley was the only Republican member of Iowa’s congressional delegation who voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that funds the grant programs the city has applied for. But U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, both Republicans, as well as various businesses and community groups have voiced support and written letters lobbying for the project to receive funding.

The city of Davenport also received $13.1 million toward flood mitigation projects.

“The health and safety of our communities rely heavily on sound infrastructure. These federal dollars will go a long way to assist the cities of Davenport and Cedar Rapids in their efforts to boost public safety and flood resilience,” Grassley said in a statement. “I’m glad to see Iowans’ hard-earned tax dollars continue to return to our state and strengthen our communities.”

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