Iowa Ports Association advocates for funding through Quad City Community Foundation

The Muscatine County Board meeting on July 14, 2025, focused on the establishment of the Iowa Ports Association, a new nonprofit aimed at advocating for funding and support for port activities in the region. The association, administered through the Quad City Community Foundation, seeks to enhance collaboration among local businesses and cities to drive port-related initiatives.

During the meeting, officials discussed the importance of the Iowa Ports Association in accessing federal funds for port activities, which have historically been underrepresented in funding allocations. The association will allow various terminals and activities within the region to aggregate their efforts, making them more visible to federal funding sources. Currently, the Iowa side of the river ranks as the sixtieth largest port in the U.S., comparable to the Port of Miami, yet has received minimal federal support.

The discussion highlighted the need for a maritime section within Iowa's Department of Transportation, similar to those in neighboring states, to facilitate better access to federal resources. The Iowa Ports Association aims to fill this gap by advocating for the interests of ports along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

Additionally, the meeting addressed ongoing construction activities near the county jail, with updates indicating that work is expected to continue for another two to three weeks. The Mustang County Fair was also mentioned, with a reminder that it will take place from Wednesday through Sunday.

Overall, the establishment of the Iowa Ports Association represents a significant step towards enhancing the region's port activities and securing necessary funding, while local construction projects and community events continue to progress.