About I-Jobs I
Governor Culver's signature initiative, I-JOBS will strengthen Iowa's economy, help our state recover from the natural disasters of 2008, and preserve or create thousands of jobs. The $830 million three-year program includes several parts but focuses on the key areas shown below. I-JOBS is funded with existing state gaming revenue, meaning no increase in taxes.
When he signed I-JOBS into law on May 14, 2009, Governor Culver also created an 11-member I-JOBS Board of Directors that will will develop rules, review applications, and make grant decisions for the I-JOBS Local Infrastructure Program related to Disaster Recovery & Prevention.
FUNDING FOR VETERANS HOME, COMMUNITY COLLEGES, AND OTHER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS: $285 MILLION
- $185 million to improve public facilities across Iowa, such as the Iowa Veterans Home, correction facilities, and our community colleges.
- $100 million for further investments in state public infrastructure, including state parks.
DISASTER RECOVERY & PREVENTION AND LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE: $165 MILLION
- $118.5 million in competitive grants available for reconstruction of local public buildings and flood control prevention in communities hit by last year’s disasters.
- $46.5 million in grants targeted for help to Linn County, Cedar Rapids, and to rebuild fire stations in Palo, Elkader, and Charles City.
IMPROVING IOWA’S TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE: $115 MILLION
- $50 million for the Bridge Safety Fund to be used for infrastructure projects relating to functionally obsolete and structurally deficient bridges on the Primary Highway System.
- $3 million for capital improvements and related studies for expanding passenger rail services in Iowa.
- $3.5 million for constructing and improving recreational trails within the state. Of the amount appropriated, $750,000 was allocated for the Principal Riverwalk in Des Moines and $500,000 for the trail system and bridge in the Pinicon Ridge Park in Linn County.
- $1.5 million for the Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Fund. Of the amount appropriated, $1 million was allocated for replacement of the Union Pacific railroad bridge over the Cedar River in Waterloo, which collapsed during the 2008 flood.
- $750,000 for infrastructure improvement grants at general aviation airports within the state.
- $1,250,000 for deposit into the Public Transit Infrastructure Grant Fund.
- $10 million through the existing Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy program, which is available to the cities and counties via an application-based program to fund road and street improvement to promote economic development in the state.
- $45 million was appropriated for formula distribution to all of the cities and counties in Iowa to be used for construction, reconstruction, repair, and maintenance of city streets or secondary roads. Forty-five percent of the funding will be distributed during the first year of the program (arriving July 2009). Fifty-five percent during the second year (arriving July 2010).
REBUILDING IOWA’S UNIVERSITIES: $115 MILLION
- $100 million to rebuild 10 buildings destroyed by flooding at the University of Iowa, which will allow the use of nearly $500 million in federal funds.
- $15 million to build a veterinary hospital lab at Iowa State University
IMPROVING OUR ENVIRONMENT AND WATER QUALITY: $80 MILLION
- $35 million to help construct sewers in communities under 10,000.
- $20 million in competitive grants for communities of any size for water improvement projects.
- $25 million to water-quality projects, including flood prevention, as well as soil conservation practices.
MEETING IOWA’S HOUSING NEEDS: $35 MILLION
- $20 million invested in affordable housing for elderly, disabled, and low-income Iowans.
- $10 million to construct or improve shelters for domestic abuse, emergencies, and the homeless.
- $5 million to repair homes damaged by last year’s floods.
INVESTING IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND RENEWABLE ENERGY: $35 MILLION
- $25 million invested in improving access to technology throughout Iowa.
- $10 million to create a revolving loan program to support alternative energy projects to support both new jobs and energy independence.
