Grant Criteria
Primary Selection Criteria
Economic Competitiveness
Current manufacturing companies in the area deliver goods to 180 countries worldwide. Additional economic development potential with better access to developable land for both City and County. Smooth movement of freight will benefit. Currently, truck traffic slows down as they traverse through the urban neighborhoods.
Safety
State of Good Repair
Crash rates for City of Oskaloosa is 20% higher than Statewide average for Urban Areas. Safer access for students of William Penn University and Middle and High School students.
Existing highways built in 1960s, approaching end of useful life.
Environmental Sustainability
Quality of Life
Cleaner air from reduced emissions. Planning study will consider environmental and historical impacts to the community.
Reduced vehicle miles traveled will result in cleaner air. Improved response times to emergency vehicles. Reduction of heavy vehicles through the heart of town will improve multi-modal traffic, increase safety, and promote the vision set within the central business district downtown.
Secondary Selection Criteria
Innovation
Broadband access to rural areas.
Partnerships
City and County are joint applicants. Mahaska Chamber and Development Group and Iowa DOT are partners and supporting the study.
Environmental Risk
These will be addressed as part of the PEL/EA Scope of Services under the RAISE Grant.
Benefit Cost Analysis
These will be addressed as part of the PEL/EA Scope of Services under the RAISE Grant.