HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.29.25 RPB Agenda Packet
MEETING NOTICE
MPOJC Rural Policy Board
Wednesday January 29, 2025 – 6:00 PM
City of Iowa City – Council Chambers
410 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA
AGENDA
1. Call to Order the Rural Policy Board Meeting
a. Introduce Board members and recognize alternates
b. Consider approval of meeting minutes
2. Public discussion of any item not on the agenda*
3. Administration
a. Consider approval of the Rural Policy Board section of the FY26 MPOJC Budget and
Two-Year Financial Forecast
b. Consider approval of the FY26 Johnson County assessment schedule for the East
Central Iowa Council of Governments
4. Update on availability of East Central Iowa Council of Governments assistance
5. Discuss MPOJC Orientation opportunity for Board Members
6. Discuss potential MPOJC Work Program projects for FY2026
7. Update on the potential re-use of the CRANDIC rail line
8. Update on the ‘Trip Connect’ transportation pilot from the Johnson County Mobility
Coordinator
9. Consider election of calendar year 2025 Rural Policy Board Officers
10. Other Business
11. Adjournment
*Public input is permitted on any agenda item. Please indicate to the Chair if you wish to comment on an agenda
item. To request any disability-related accommodations or language interpretation, please contact MPOJC staff at
319-356-5230 or Kent-Ralston@Iowa-City.org 48 hours prior to the meeting.
MINUTES DRAFT
MPOJC RURAL POLICY BOARD
JANUARY 31, 2024 – 6:00 PM
IOWA CITY CITY HALL – EMMA HARVAT HALL
410 E WASHINGTON ST, IOWA CITY, IA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Hills: Tim Kemp
Johnson County: Rod Sullivan, Jon Green
Swisher: Julie Persons
Solon: Cami Rasmussen
STAFF PRESENT: Kent Ralston, Emily Bothell, Hannah Neel, Sarah Walz
OTHER: Mary Rump, Kelly Schneider, Bill Gerhard
1. CALL TO ORDER
Kemp called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
a. Introduce Board members and recognize alternates
Ralston recognized Cami Rasmussen as an alternate for Dan O’Neil of solon.
b. Consider approval of meeting minutes
Persons moved to approve; Sullivan seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
3. ADMINISTRATION
a. Consider approval of the Rural Policy Board section of the FY25 MPOJC Budget
and Two-Year Financial Forecast
Ralston reminded the Board of the services that MPOJC provides to rural entities,
including traffic counts, speed studies, traffic signal studies, traffic sign evaluations,
sidewalk and trail planning, general mapping services, and other transportation
evaluations.
Ralston explained that there has been an approximate 2.75% increase in the
budget from FY24, which is primarily due to increases in costs for staff benefits
and wages. Ralston explained that MPOJC assessments are based on the 2020
decennial census figures, as required by MPOJC bylaws, and that the budget also
reflects the continued use of internal carryover funds and Iowa Department of
Transportation (DOT) funding to ensure an appropriate balance of funds per Iowa
DOT guidelines. Ralston asked the Board for approval of the FY25 MPOJC budget.
Sullivan moved to approve; Rasmussen seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
b. Consider approval of the FY25 Johnson County assessment schedule for the East
Central Iowa Council of Governments
Ralston explained that MPOJC collects East Central Iowa Council of Governments
(ECICOG) dues for Johnson County entities and forwards them to ECICOG.
Ralston stated that ECICOG provides planning and grant administration services
in the areas of Community and Economic Development, Housing, Transportation,
and Solid Waste Management. Ralston requested approval of the FY25 East
Central Iowa Council of Governments Assessment Schedule.
Sullivan moved to approve; Persons seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
4. UPDATE ON AVAILABILITY OF EAST CENTRAL IOWA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
ASSISTANCE
Rump explained that the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) is an
intergovernmental council established by Iowa Code that promotes regional cooperation
and provides planning services to local governments in Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson,
Jones, Linn, Tama, and Washington Counties. Some of the services provided by the East
Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) include Transportation, Housing and
Community Development, Solid Waste Management and Environmental Services, and a
Revolving Loan Fund.
5. DISCUSS MPOJC ORIENTATION OPPROTUNITY FOR BOARD MEMBERS
Ralston stated that a short orientation is offered to new or current Board members who
are interested in an explanation of the designation and role of MPOJC, services provided
by MPOJC, and the structure of the organization.
6. DISCUSS POTENTIAL MPOJC WORK PROGRAM PROJECTS FOR FY2025
Ralston explained that each year, MPOJC puts together a work program to schedule traffic
counts, data collection, and other work products. Ralston stated that if any communities
have a project in mind for FY25, they should discuss it with staff.
7. UPDATE ON METRO AREA TRAFFIC COLLISION ANALYSIS
Bothell stated that MPOJC staff completed a 2020-2022 Metro Area Traffic Collision
Analysis. The analysis identifies any intersection or mid-block location that experienced
three or more collisions in the urbanized area between 2020 and 2022. These locations
are then ranked based on a formula using number of collisions, crash rates, and severity
of collisions. The document helps to determine which locations, by jurisdiction, could
benefit from potential countermeasures to reduce the number and severity of collisions.
Bothell stated that the full report would be available in the coming weeks.
8. UPDATE ON METRO AREA BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN COLLISION DATA
Walz stated that overall, collisions have been trending downward for both bicyclists and
pedestrians. This downward trend started in 2016 with record lows being reached during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Walz explained that although the number of pedestrian collisions
is decreasing, the severity of these collisions is increasing. For bicyclists, there has also
been a decrease in the number of collisions along with a decrease in the severity of these
collisions. In 2023, there were zero (0) serious injury or fatal bicycle collisions in the metro
area.
9. VERBAL UPDATE ON THE CRANDIC BUS RAPID TRANSIT STUDY FROM THE
MPOJC DIRECTOR
Ralston explained that the consultants, Felsburg, Holt and Ulliveg (FHU) and
Nelson\Nygaard, are currently working on a Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility study on the
CRANDIC Rail Corridor to determine the best routes and stops, amongst other details.
Ralston mentioned that the stakeholder committee includes a member from each of the
three transit agencies, two Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) staff members, a
member from Johnson County, a member from North Liberty, and a member from Better
Together 2030. Ralston reminded the Board that this is a very high-level study to
determine the feasibility of a Bus Rapid Transit system and the associated costs.
10. VERBAL UPDATE ON A TRANSIT PILOT PROJECT FROM THE JOHNSON COUNTY
MOBILITY COORDINATOR
Schneider, the Mobility Coordinator for Johnson County, explained that TripConnect is a
pilot project designed to provide residents of Johnson County with transportation options
where gaps may exist. The goal of the project is to connect workers with employment
opportunities in North Liberty and Coralville by offering a door -to-door transportation
service. Schneider noted that they have applied for grant funding and have received
$350,000 from the State and $75,000 from the National Center for Mobility Management.
Schneider explained that this service will be outsourced to a private transportation
company to allow the three metro-area transportation agencies to focus on their current
service.
11. CONSIDER ELECTION OF CALENDAR YEAR 2024 RURAL POLICY BOARD
OFFICERS
Tim Kemp was voted to be the Chair of the Rural Policy Board and Julie Persons was
voted to be the Vice-Chair of the Rural Policy Board.
12. OTHER BUSINESS
None.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Green moved to adjourn the meeting; Persons seconded. The motion carried
unanimously. Kemp adjourned the meeting at 6:34 p.m.
Date: January 22, 2025
To: Rural Policy Board
From: Kent Ralston, Executive Director
Re: Agenda Item #3(a): Consider approval of the Rural Policy Board section of the FY26
MPOJC Budget and Two-Year Financial Forecast
The FY26 MPOJC Budget and Financial Forecast is attached. The focus of MPOJC continues
to be fulfilling state and federal requirements necessary for MPOJC urban communities to be
able to receive formula and discretionary state and federal funds, and producing traffic and
transportation studies, large and small, for Johnson County communities.
For rural entities (areas outside of the metropolitan area), MPOJC’s focus is to provide traffic
count, traffic speed and study information, traffic signal studies, traffic sign evaluations, sidewalk
and trail planning, general mapping services, and other transportation evaluations. We are also
able to assist with grant application preparation for your communities, and review of
development proposals at your request.
An ongoing item we conduct on your behalf is annexation notifications to all fire departments in
the County, through the fire department mutual aid structure. MPOJC is notified of all proposed
and completed annexations, and we in turn provide the notification to the Joint Emergency
Communications Center. This results in more accurate information when emergency responders
are responding to calls in recently annexed areas.
The proposed budget reflects an overall increase of approximately 2.38% from FY25. A majority
of the budget increase is due to increases in costs for staff salaries and benefits. I anticipate
using $280,000 of Iowa DOT ‘Planning Funds’ in FY26. This is an increase from $230,000 used
in previous years as a result of increases provided by the new transportation legislation. This
increase ensures an appropriate balance of funds per DOT guidelines and defrays local funding
necessary for MPO operations.
Please be prepared to consider approval of the Rural Policy Board section of the FY26 MPOJC
Budget and Financial Forecast.
I will be at your January 29th meeting to answer any questions you may have.
FY26 Budget and Financial Forecast
Adopted January 29, 2025 by the:
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board
MPOJC Rural Policy Board
Date: January 29, 2025
To: Urbanized Area Policy Board
Rural Policy Board
From: Kent Ralston, Executive Director
Re: FY26 MPOJC Budget and Financial Forecast
The Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC) is the designated planning organization for Johnson County, Iowa.
Assistance is provided to member agencies in the program areas of transportation planning, administration, and small communities
planning assistance by virtue of a 28E agreement. The MPOJC Urbanized Area and Rural Policy Boards have authority over the policies
and work programs of the organization. The MPOJC website (www.mpojc.org) provides general information about the organization,
published technical reports, agendas, and meeting minutes of all public meetings.
MPOJC is organized administratively under the City of Iowa City and staff members are subject to all rights and benefits afforded to City
of Iowa City employees. Non-administrative staff are organized under the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
(AFSCME). MPOJC staff also serve as staff in the City of Iowa City Neighborhood and Development Services Department. Because
MPOJC is organized as a division of the City of Iowa City, MPOJC follows City of Iowa City administrative and personnel policies. T his
overall structure allows for cost-effective sharing of expenditures and services.
The focus of MPOJC remains to fulfill federal and state requirements necessary for receiving both formula and discretionary state and
federal funding and to produce a wide variety of transportation studies for member agencies. These studies are intended to result in better
information on which to base local policy and project programming decisions.
The proposed FY26 MPOJC Budget and Financial Forecast reflects the program of services, policies, and staffing approved by the Board.
The overall FY26 budget reflects a 2.38% increase from the FY25 budget and is primarily due to adjustments in salaries and benefits.
The remaining budget is largely the same as previous years with respect to technical and professional services, travel and education, and
software. As in previous years, the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is scheduled to contribute a large portion of the overall
MPO budget in FY26 – the anticipated Iowa DOT contribution is $280,000 which is the same as in FY25. MPOJC also carries reserve
funds to buffer against unexpected budget increases, or potential loss of funding. This continues to be important due to ongoing uncertainty
of federal funding.
MPOJC continues to employ 1-2 planning interns funded by the University of Iowa. The University of Iowa’s $23,817 assessment will be
used to fund intern expenses throughout the year. If this amount is not fully expended during the year, the balance becomes available for
other expenses.
As in previous budgets, the FY26 budget is explicit in showing additional assessments specific to Iowa City due to staff time devoted
solely to Iowa City specific duties. These duties include traffic engineering services, administration of the traffic calming program,
participation in planning committees, review of rezoning and subdivision applications, and other special projects.
The budget also reflects capital expenses for the replacement of traffic counters, traffic counting software, and GIS software to maintain
our mapping and visualization abilities. The traffic counters are used for traffic analyses and are subjected to extreme conditions as part
of the data collection program. It is important that there be a regular program of replacement for this equipment. For our traffic forecasting
capabilities, we are proposing to continue to upgrade our travel demand model software to be consistent with the Iowa DOT state-wide
travel demand model.
Following is a summary of the proposed Budget and Financial Forecast and FY26 assessments. Assessment figures use the 2020
decennial Census population data as required by the MPO Bylaws.
MPOJC Budget FY26 – FY28
MPOJC is designated by the Governor of the State of Iowa as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Iowa City Urbanized Area.
The MPOJC Transportation Planning Division must fulfill the state and federal requirements of the 3-C transportation planning process. This
process is required of all urbanized areas to maintain eligibility for grant programs and transportation operations funds of the United States
Department of Transportation and the Iowa Department of Transportation.
The Administration Division consists of a half-time Executive Director, and a .2 FTE Administrative Secretary. The Administration Division provides
oversight and support to the staff of MPOJC. The Executive Director supervises all MPOJC personnel, coordinates the budget process and the
preparation of division work programs.
As MPOJC staff also serve the City of Iowa City Neighborhood and Development Services Department, this budget reflects Iowa City specific
funding for 0.5 FTE Administration and 1.0 FTE Transportation Planner for Iowa City duties.
1Forecasts assume a 3% increase
2Student interns are funded entirely by the University of Iowa
FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28
Budgeted Proposed Forecast1 Forecast1
Salaries and Benefits $690,100 $699,200 $720,176 $741,781
Technical and Professional Services &
Maintenance, Travel and Education $68,219 $75,620 $77,889 $80,225
Operating Costs;including office
supplies,traffic counting and mapping
equipment/software
$8,700 $11,050 $11,382 $11,723
Subtotal $767,019 $785,870 $809,446 $833,729
University of Iowa Student Interns 2 $23,817 $23,817 $23,817 $23,817
TOTAL $790,836 $809,687 $833,263 $857,546
Expenditures
Summary of FY26 Assessments
Note: Figures do not include specific funding for Iowa City Neighborhood & Development Services, equivalent to 0.5 Administration Budget ($96,250) and 1.0 FTE Transportation Planning ($148,343).
Iowa City $121,144
Johnson County $35,430
Coralville $36,132
North Liberty $33,155
Tiffin $7,305
University Heights $1,988
SubTotal $235,154
Rural Communities
Solon $943
Lone Tree $424
Swisher $285
Oxford $226
Hills $270
Shueyville $228
SubTotal $2,375
Other Sources
Iowa DOT $280,000
Carryover $23,748
University of Iowa $23,817
SubTotal $327,565
Total $565,094
Urban Communities
MPOJC Assessment Explanation
1. Assessment for Rural entities is 1% of the overall MPO assessment. Rural Board communities utilize MPO planning services but are not eligible for MPO grant funds.
2. 0.5 FTE of Administration Division and 1.0 FTE of Transportation Planning Division are for Iowa City related functions and are not reflected in assessments to other communities.
3. This budget does not include East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) assessments.
4. Assessment figures may not reflect exact population percentages shown due to rounding.
Urban Entity Population Population %Total % of Total % of Total
Urban Board Assessment MPO Budget Assessments
Iowa City 74,828 51.52%$121,144 21.4%51.0%
Johnson County 21,884 15.07%$35,430 6.3%14.9%
Coralville 22,318 15.37%$36,132 6.4%15.2%
North Liberty 20,479 14.10%$33,155 5.9%14.0%
Tiffin 4,512 3.11%$7,305 1.3%3.1%
U-Heights 1,228 0.85%$1,988 0.4%0.8%
Subtotal 145,249 100.0%$235,154 41.6%99.0%
Rural Entity1 Population Population %Total % of Total % of Total
Rural Board Assessment Budget Assessments
Solon 3,018 39.68%$943 0.2%0.4%
Lone Tree 1,357 17.84%$424 0.1%0.2%
Swisher 914 12.02%$285 0.1%0.1%
Oxford 722 9.49%$226 0.0%0.1%
Hills 863 11.35%$270 0.0%0.1%
Shueyville 731 9.61%$228 0.0%0.1%
Subtotal 7,605 100.0%$2,375 0.4%1.0%
Total 152,854 100.0%$237,529 42.0%100.0%
Other Funding Sources
Iowa DOT $280,000 49.5%
Carryover $23,748 4.2%
University of Iowa $23,817 4.2%
MPO Total $565,094 100.00%
50% Admin for Iowa City NDS 2 $96,250
1.0 FTE for Iowa City NDS 2 $148,343
Total Budget $809,687
Date: January 22, 2025
To: Rural Policy Board
From: Kent Ralston; Executive Director
Re: Agenda Item #3(b): Consider approval of the FY26 Johnson County assessment
schedule for the East Central Iowa Council of Governments
East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) is the Regional Planning Association for
east-central Iowa including Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Tama and Washington
Counties. ECICOG provides planning and grant administrative services in the areas of
community and economic development, transportation, housing, and solid waste management.
MPOJC collects ECICOG dues for Johnson County entities and forwards the funds to ECICOG.
ECICOG assessments are calculated on a per-capita basis for the counties ECICOG serves,
and we in turn calculate a per-capita assessment for each governmental entity within Johnson
County. For FY26, ECICOG has proposed a 2% increase for the counties they serve.
ECICOG also made a modification to its funding structure for FY23 to include an additional
planning assistance assessment for all entities – except for Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) entitlement cities. This change was made for all counites served by ECICOG and
remains in place for FY26. The effect of the change was that Johnson County now pays an
additional assessment for the rural county population and University Heights is assessed for its
population. These entities had historically not paid this additional assessment as they did not
often utilize ECICOG’s planning services. All other non-entitlement communities had paid this
assessment in the past.
A member of the ECICOG staff plans to attend our January 29th meeting to discuss their
services and answer any questions you may have. Please be prepared to consider approval of
the FY26 ECICOG assessment schedule. With approval, I will forward the assessment schedule
to your staff for their records.
East Central Iowa Council of Governments
FY26 Assessment Schedule
Adopted January 29, 2025 by the:
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board
MPOJC Rural Policy Board
Date: January 29, 2025
To: MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board
MPOJC Rural Policy Board
From: Kent Ralston, Executive Director
Re: FY26 ECICOG Assessment Schedule
The East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) is the Regional Planning Association for east-central Iowa, including Benton,
Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Tama and Washington Counties. ECICOG conducts planning and grant administration services in the
areas of community and economic development, housing, transportation, and solid waste management. ECICOG is governed by a policy
board including elected officials and citizen representatives.
In 2010, the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC) Urbanized Area Policy Board directed that the schedule of
ECICOG assessments be considered separately from the annual MPOJC budget. ECICOG assesses counties on a per capita basis. In
Johnson County, governmental entities are in-turn assessed on a per-capita basis. ECICOG has proposed a 2% rate increase for all the
counties it serves for FY26. This assessment schedule reflects 2020 Census figures for each entity as required by the MPO Bylaws.
East Central Iowa Council of Governments FY26 – FY28 Assessments
FY25 FY26 FY271 FY281
Actual Proposed Forecast Forecast
$86,769 $88,504 $90,274 $92,080
Community Population %Assessment2 %Assessment2 %Assessment2
Iowa City 74,828 48.95%$32,795 ----37.06%$32,795
Johnson County (rural)21,884 14.32%$9,591 28.05%$6,033 17.65%$15,625
Coralville 22,318 14.60%$9,781 28.60%$6,153 18.00%$15,935
North Liberty 20,479 13.40%$8,975 26.25%$5,646 16.52%$14,622
Solon 3,018 1.97%$1,323 3.87%$832 2.43%$2,155
Tiffin 4,512 2.95%$1,978 5.78%$1,244 3.64%$3,221
Lone Tree 1,357 0.89%$595 1.74%$374 1.09%$969
University Heights 1,228 0.80%$538 1.57%$339 0.99%$877
Swisher 914 0.60%$401 1.17%$252 0.74%$653
Oxford 722 0.47%$316 0.93%$199 0.58%$515
Hills 863 0.56%$378 1.11%$238 0.70%$616
Shueyville 731 0.48%$320 0.94%$202 0.59%$522
152,854 100.0%$66,993 100.0%$21,512 100.0%$88,504
Assessments
Expenditures
Payment to ECICOG
Small Communities Planning Assistance Total FY26 ECICOG AssessmentGeneral Assessment
ECICOG is a multi-county regional planning agency which includes Johnson County . It is Region 10 in the state’s system of regional planning agencies.
Planning assistance is available through ECICOG to the small communities in Johnson County. All municipalities in Johnson Cou nty pay a population-based
general assessment for the overall support of ECICOG. An additional planning assistance assessment is made to all communities – except Iowa City which
is a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement city.
1Assumes a 2% increase.
2 Assessment figures may not equal exact percentages shown due to rounding.
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 22, 2025
Rural Policy Board
Kent Ralston, Executive Director
Agenda Item #4: Update on availability of East Central Iowa Council of Governments
assistance
The East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) is an intergovernmental council
established by the Iowa Code. Governed by a Board of Directors compromised of elected officials
and private citizens, ECICOG was created to promote regional cooperation and to provide planning
services to local governments in Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington Counties. A
small portion of ECICOG’s budget is supported by a per capita assessment.
This memo describes some of the services provided by ECICOG. A member of the ECICOG staff will
be at our January 29th meeting to answer any questions you may have.
Transportation: ECICOG transit coordinates transit services in Benton, Iowa, Jones and Washington
Counties and the rural areas of Linn and Johnson Counties. ECICOG also administers federal
transportation funds. These funds are available to assist in funding qualifying road, bridge, trail and
transit projects or for transportation planning activities. In addition, ECICOG oversees the 380
Express bus service between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids and commuter vanpool service.
Community and Economic Development: ECICOG offers technical assistance to local
governments on land use planning, zoning and subdivision regulation, as well city code updates.
ECICOG has had success in securing and administering state and federal funds for local
infrastructure improvement and community facility projects. ECICOG is also available to assist with
the application for, and administration of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
Housing: ECICOG writes and administers a wide variety of housing grants, particularly in the area of
housing rehabilitation. ECICOG frequently provides grant administration assistance to the Housing
Trust Fund of Johnson County to support the work of existing staff. ECICOG also does housing needs
assessments.
Environmental Services: ECICOG is responsible for preparation of the Regional Comprehensive
Solid Waste Management Plan which includes Benton, Jones, Iowa and Tama Counties, and
facilitates cooperation among the landfill facilities in the region. ECICOG provides Iowa Waste
Exchange services for our region. ECICOG has taken an active role in other environmental issues
such as watershed management and climate action planning. ECICOG recently submitted a regional
EPA grant application that would assist communities with brownfield planning and mitigation.
Revolving Loan Fund: A Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is a loan pool established by ECICOG to help
new and existing businesses develop and expand. Funds are used in conjunction with local lenders to
serve as gap financing.
Visit http://www.ecicog.org/ for more information on these and other services provided by ECICOG.
Date: January 22, 2025
To: Rural Policy Board
From: Kent Ralston; Executive Director
Re: Agenda Item #5: Discuss MPOJC Orientation opportunity for Board members
For new Board members, or current Board members who desire a refresher, I would like to
provide a short orientation explaining the designation and role of the MPO, services provided by
the MPO, and the structure of the MPO.
Please be prepared to indicate if you are interested and I will identify possible dates that will
work for a group orientation. I will be available at your January 29th meeting to answer any
questions you have.
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 22, 2025
Rural Policy Board
Kent Ralston, Executive Director
Agenda Item #6: Discuss potential MPOJC Work Program projects for FY2026
Each year, we put together a work program to schedule our traffic counts, data collection, and
other work products. Typical types of work for rural communities include traffic speed and
volume counts, traffic control evaluations (Stop sign, Yield sign, and warning sign), review of
proposed development projects, mapping assistance, and grant application assistance.
Please be prepared to discuss any projects you have in mind for FY26 for which we can assist.
If you have a general project in mind, but don’t have the details available, staff is available to
discuss potential projects at a later date.
I will be at your January 29th meeting to discuss this item and answer any questions you may
have.
Date: January 22, 2025
To: Rural Policy Board
From: Kent Ralston; Executive Director
Re: Agenda Item #7: Update on the potential re-use of the CRANDIC rail line
Last fall the MPO Policy Board gave staff direction to hire a consultant to complete a Bus Rapid
Transit (BRT) Feasibility study on approximately 9.0 miles of the CRANDIC freight rail line
between Penn Street in North Liberty and Burlington Street in Iowa City. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig
(FHU) and Nelson Nygaard were awarded the contract and the study was led by a steering
committee comprised of representation from Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Johnson
County, the University of Iowa, CRANDIC Railroad, the Iowa DOT, and Greater Iowa City, Inc.
The purpose of the study was to examine the feasibility of providing BRT service in the study
corridor and to make comparisons with previous passenger rail studies conducted in the same
corridor. The study is now complete and confirms that converting the existing freight rail line for
BRT service is feasible. Following are key take-aways from the study:
• A two-tier screening process was utilized to determine a final set of alternatives with differing
start/end points. Tier 1 screening compared 8 alternatives against 18 criteria and Tier 2
screening compared 3 final alternatives against 11 additional criteria to develop a final
preferred alternative.
• The preferred alternative would provide weekday service on 15-minute frequencies during
peak hours servicing a total of 18 stops and an end-to-end travel time of 27 minutes. Service
is reduced to 30-minute frequencies on nights and weekends.
• Total daily ridership is estimated at 3,665 in 2024 increasing to 4,360 in 2045. For
comparison, Iowa City Transit had a weekday average ridership of 3,443 in FY23.
• Total estimated capital cost for implementation is $92 million which includes 7 new 40’
electric buses and charging equipment, a new maintenance facility, necessary
improvements to the fixed guideway and crossings, stop platforms/improvements, park and
ride facilities, a new north transit center, and a 10’ wide adjacent trail facility (where not
currently present). The cost estimate does not include payment to CRANDIC for the
purchase or lease of the tracks.
• Total estimated annual operations and maintenance cost is $2.35 million and is based on
annual costs from Iowa City, Coralville, and Cambus transit systems.
The final study can be accessed at:
HTTPS://WWW.IOWACITY.ORG/WEBLINK/DOCVIEW.ASPX?ID=2215875&DBID=0&REPO=CITYOFIOWACITY.
I’ve also attached a slide deck comparing the Bus Rapid Transit study with several other studies
that have been completed. I intend to provide a brief overview of this presentation at your
January 29th meeting.
Potential Re-use of the
CRANDIC Rail Line
SUMMARY OF OPTIONS
JOINT ENTITIES MEETING
JANUARY 13, 2025
Re -use
l Line
ONS
e of thhe
Agenda
Background
History of Studies
Findings of Studies
Summary of Options
Other Considerations
Next steps
Background
CRANDIC Operated as a high-
speed interurban rail line from
Cedar Rapids to Iowa City
1904-1953
17 interurbans ran each way
from 5 am to midnight
At its peak in 1945 the
CRANDIC carried 573,307
passengers annually
as a high-
ine from
y
07
Background
Tracks currently used as
freight rail and interchange
with Iowa Interstate Railroad
(IAIS)
Most recent study corridor
approximately 9.0 miles in
length – Penn Street to
Burlington Street
History of Studies
`Iowa City – Cedar Rapids Passenger Rail Conceptual Feasibility Study (2015) –
Phase I
`Iowa City – North Liberty Passenger Rail Conceptual Feasibility Study (2016) –
Phase II
`Iowa City – Oakdale CRANDIC Right-of-Way Rails-to-Trails Conversion Study
(2018)
`Iowa City – North Liberty Commuter Rail Conceptual Feasibility Study (2020) –
Phase III
`Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility on the CRANDIC Rail Corridor (2024)
`Pop Up Metro – Light Rail Project (2025)
History of Studies
`Iowa City – Cedar Rapids Passenger Rail Conceptual Feasibility Study (2015) –
Phase I
`Iowa City – North Liberty Passenger Rail Conceptual Feasibility Study (2016) –
Phase II
`Iowa City – Oakdale CRANDIC Right-of-Way Rails-to-Trails Conversion Study
(2018)
`Iowa City – North Liberty Commuter Rail Conceptual Feasibility Study (2020) –
Phase III
`Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility on the CRANDIC Rail Corridor (2024)
`Pop Up Metro – Light Rail Project (2025)
Summary of Options
Passenger Rail Bus Rapid Transit Pop-up Metro
Capital Cost $60 million (Adj to 2024) $87.4 million $5.7 million
Annual Operations Cost $5.9 million (Adj to 2024) $2.4 million $3.7 million
Multi-Use Trail Cost $6.8 million (Adj to 2024) $4.6 million Not contemplated
Owned or Leased Owned Owned Leased
Vehicle Type / Number (3) Diesel Trainsets (7) 40’ Electric Buses (2) Electric Trainsets
Daily Ridership Estimate 5,300 passengers (2019) 4,300 passengers (2024) Not estimated
Span of Service 6 AM-7 PM Mon-Friday 5 AM-11 PM Sun-Saturday
(reduced on weekends)6 AM-9 PM Mon-Friday
Service Frequency 30 Minute 15 Minute / 30 Minute
(peak / off-peak headway)45 Minute
End - End Travel Time 25 minutes 27 minutes 30 minutes
Number of Stops 7 stops 18 stops 6 stops
Other considerations
`Trains may have more appeal than buses
`Bus rapid transit routes can adapt to changes in termini and can be tailored to demand
`Local knowledge of bus operations, maintenance, and facilities
`Need for a new or consolidated transit agency
`Battery electric vehicles vs. traditional diesel vehicles
`Lease vs. purchase considerations
`Pop-up Metro faster implementation and removal
`Bus rapid transit requires removal of tracks and potential for regulatory snags
Next Steps
`Determine the preferred approach to transit on the CRANDIC corridor
`Coordinate with CRANDIC on the timing and approach to railroad abandonment (if necessary)
`Determine regional consensus on agency to operate service
`Identify preferred funding sources for operating costs
`Prepare grant applications to advance design and construction
Questions?
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