The City of Ottumwa could do a “ton” with infrastructure funds

OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - The infrastructure bill is likely to bring billions to Iowa. In total the White House estimates Iowa will receive around 5 billion dollars for infrastructure projects. That includes improvements for roads, bridges, and transportation.

Iowa would expect to receive $3.4 billion for highway programs, and $432 million for bridge replacement and repairs. The White House says Iowa’s bridge conditions are some of the worst in the state.

For public transportation, the state would get $305 million, which could go to things like the Amtrak station here in Ottumwa.

The state is also getting $120 million for airport improvements, and $100 million for expanded broadband internet coverage.

KYOU spoke to Ottumwa’s City Administrator, Phil Rath. Rath says he doesn’t know how much the City will be getting; but says there’s a ton they could do for roads and bridges in town. He’s also excited for potential improvements they could make to the airport.

Though Rath says even if they get millions of dollars for road construction, they’re still limited by finding contractors to do the work on those roads. Rath estimates they’re behind on road construction as is, without new infrastructure funds.