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Intermodal hub is a step forward

Application for federal BUILD?grant deserves support

The Fort Dodge City Council has authorized the city to apply for a $7.63 million federal grant to pay much of the $11.5 million cost of building an intermodal hub in the heart of our city’s downtown. This is a wise decision. It deserves the strongest possible community support.

The intermodal hub would be part of the complex of structures that will bring new life to downtown Fort Dodge. It would be built between the Warden Plaza and a planned new cultural and recreation center.

The intermodal hub facility would have spaces for about 500 vehicles. Some of those spaces will be reserved for residents of the Warden Plaza. Others will be reserved for those using the cultural and recreation center and still others will be reserved for employees working at the Carver Building, which is just north of the site. The rest of the spots would have parking meters. Part of the dispatching and ticketing operations of Dodger Area Rapid Transit would be moved into the facility. The bus stop and transfer point now at Central Avenue and Ninth Street would also be moved there. A rack full of bicycles to rent would be placed in the intermodal hub. It is intended to be the first component of a citywide bike share system.

The application a Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development — BUILD — grant is being submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation. A decision on this award is expected in December.

Securing this large amount of federal money should help move the Warden Plaza renovation and cultural and recreation center projects forward. Combining the new intermodal hub with these other major undertakings will be of enormous benefit to our town and region. A major renaissance of our town’s historic center is moving closer to reality.

The Messenger recommends that residents to write to U.S. Sens. Charles Grassley and Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Steve King to urge their support for this federal grant.

It is important to our community’s future.

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