Public Engagment

Check back for more information about the PEL Study. Materials from public and stakeholder engagement events will be posted here.

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Join us for a public meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024

Join us for a Public Information Meeting on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Environmental Learning Center (2342 IA-92, Oskaloosa, IA 52577) between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The purpose of the open house style meeting is to update residents and stakeholders on the project, discuss the findings of the draft PEL study, review technically feasible roadway alignments, and obtain public feedback. Oral and written statements will be accepted during the meeting. All interested persons are invited to attend this meeting and express their opinions regarding the proposed project.

The meeting space is accessible for persons with disabilities.  However, if you require special accommodations at the meeting, please notify the contact listed below by October 21, 2024.

If you have any questions, or cannot attend the meeting, but would like to provide input, please contact Wade Greiman, Snyder & Associates Project Engineer, 515-964-2020, email at wagreiman@snyder-associates.com or Andrew McGuire, Mahaska County Engineer, 641-672-2897, email at mcguire@mahaskacountyia.gov.

Public Information Meeting January 8th 2024:

Mahaska County, Iowa DOT, and City of Oskaloosa hosted a public meeting on Monday, January 8, 2024 at the Environmental Learning Center (2342 IA-92, Oskaloosa, IA 52577). The purpose of the meeting was to update residents and stakeholders on the project, discuss the potential roadway alignments, and obtain public feedback.

January 8th Public Information Meeting materials:

  • View a short video presentation of meeting materials
  • MODES January 8th meeting handout
  • January 8 public meeting comment card

As part of the development of the Purpose and Need for the project there were several existing conditions analyzed. In developing initial alternatives, the project evaluated environmental factors including the location of coal mines, woodlands and areas identified in the national wetland inventory. Evaluating these environmental factors helped the project to refine and evaluate potential roadway alignments.

The initial alternatives developed as part of the study are shown in the following figures. The initial alternatives map shows the location of study limits, northwest bypass as well as the variations of Alternatives A, B and C which are currently being considered by the project team. There is also a typical section that shows the potential design for a future roadway alignment.

PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENT:

SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 – Community Leader meeting with Senator Joni Ernst. Click here to learn more about the discussion: HTTP://OSKYNEWS.ORG/MAHASKA-AND-OSKALOOSA-LEADERS-VISIT-WITH-ERNST-OVER-SOUTHEAST-CONNECTOR/

MONDAY, MAY 11, 2020 – The City of Oskaloosa and Mahaska County, in partnership with the Mahaska Chamber & Development Group and the support of Iowa Department of Transportation held a public information meeting on Monday, May 11, to discuss the proposed US BUILD Grant application in support of the Mahaska Oskaloosa Driving Economic Success (MODES) study and the proposed US 63 to IA 23 connector study.