Council endorses DOT safety grant, TAP trail application and DOT-funded temporary shuttle while bridge closed

The Clinton City Council on Aug. 12 endorsed multiple transportation and safety items.

Council approved a resolution supporting an Iowa DOT 2027 Traffic Safety Improvement Program application for a roundabout at 16th Street Northwest and Mill Creek Parkway. City staff said the local match is $900,000 and that they plan to split the match across future years in the capital improvement plan ($400,000 in one year and $500,000 in another, as discussed). Council emphasized safety and noted the project would fit into the city’s 10‑year CIP schedule.

The council also approved an endorsement for a RPA 8 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application for the South Fourteenth Street Recreational Trail (Bluff to Lincoln Way). Staff said the TAP program allows RPA to borrow funds upfront, that the project would likely not be constructed before fiscal year 2027, and that the program’s funds must be started or completed by 2029; staff estimated a local match of roughly $400,000 and said the city would determine the source of matching funds if awarded. Council members discussed tradeoffs between funding new trail construction and maintaining existing sidewalks.

Separately, the council authorized a joint transit agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for a temporary shuttle service between Clinton Island and Fulton, Illinois, while a bridge on the north end is closed; staff said the DOT will fund the service.

If awarded, staff will return to the council with specific grant agreements and funding plans before construction.