Economic Development Grant

    The Iowa Department of Transportation Commission has awarded an $876,510 economic development grant to Mills County for improvements to the 190th Street business corridor west of Interstate 29.
    The grant was announced at a transportation commission meeting last Tuesday in Council Bluffs.
    The funds will be utilized for the concrete paving of 190th Street between the Interstate 29 - Highway 34 interchange and Kane Ave.
    Mills County Auditor Carol Robertson said the grant application was made by county engineer Kevin Mayberry and county officials had learned prior to the meeting that the funds had been awarded.
    “We knew it was coming, but they (commission members) had to give their presentation at the meeting,” Robertson said.
    The U.S. Highway 34 extension and Missouri River bridge project were also discussed at the meeting. Glenwood banker and bridge proponent Larry Winum said construction work on the project has resumed after months of delays caused by Missouri River flooding.
    “The commission had visited the site on Monday and continues to be very supportive of the project,” Winum said.  “The good news is that the dirt/road contractor has mobilized again and we should start seeing dirt moving again until the snow flies.”
    When completed, the bridge will link Highway 34 and Interstate 29 in Mills County with Highway 75 in Sarpy County, Neb., south of Offutt Air Force Base.
    The bridge was projected to be completed in the Fall of 2013 before the flooding caused a work stoppage last spring.