Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Transit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Eldridge council approves joint MOU to seek transit grant to sustain Riverbend service
Summary
The council approved a memorandum of understanding with neighboring cities to apply for a FY27 Iowa DOT special project grant to keep Riverbend Transit service for Eldridge riders; council members discussed local match (~$10,836) and service impacts if the funding is not secured.
The Eldridge City Council voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with Bettendorf, LeClaire and Princeton to jointly apply for a FY27 STA special project grant from the Iowa DOT to sustain Riverbend Transit service to Eldridge residents.
City staff told the council the program would require a 50% local match and that Eldridge’s share is estimated at about $10,836. Without the grant, Riverbend Transit has indicated it may be unable to continue some trips that originate or end in Eldridge, potentially removing about 230 passenger trips per year that serve roughly two dozen regular riders.
Council members debated the cost‑per‑trip and the populations affected. Some members said the per‑rider cost appears high but argued the service supports residents who rely on transit for medical appointments, grocery shopping and other daily needs. One member noted the grant application deadline is July 24, creating urgency to act.
A motion to approve the MOU and authorize submission of a joint application passed on roll call. A recorded Nay was entered for one councilmember (Dockery), per the meeting record; other members voted Aye as recorded during the roll call.
What’s next: If the grant is awarded, the city would pay its 50% share (estimated $10,836) and Riverbend Transit would administer the service; if not awarded, the council discussed the possibility of funding the service from city funds in a future budget but noted the cost to fully fund the service could be substantially higher.
Quotes and attribution: City staff said, “They put all together the statistics of the Eldridge riders, over the last 12 months,” describing the trip counts and cost estimates. A councilmember said the program preserves transit access for residents who rely on rides to health care and groceries.
Ending: The council approved the MOU and authorized staff to join the joint application for STA special project funds; staff will report back on award results and next steps.
