Author: Kadie Johannson

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) has secured $19 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) for Southeast Iowa as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 funding package signed into law by President Trump, delivering critical investments in infrastructure, public safety, transportation, workforce development, and water systems across Iowa’s First Congressional District.

“These investments are about meeting real needs in real communities,” Miller-Meeks said. “From safer roads and bridges to modern water systems, workforce training, and public safety, this funding ensures Southeast Iowa has the infrastructure and resources necessary to grow, compete, and thrive. I will always fight to make sure Iowa tax dollars come back home and are used responsibly to strengthen our communities.”

With these investments, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has now secured over $24 million in Community Project Funding for Southeast Iowa in the 119th Congress, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to delivering federal resources back to the district.

Community Project Funding secured by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks includes:

• $6 Million for the City of Burlington Cascade Bridge Project: The funding would be used to replace the deteriorated Cascade Bridge with a modern, safe, and functional structure while preserving its historical essence.
• $3 Million for the 110th Street FDR and Asphalt Paving Project in Jefferson County: The funding would be used to pave 110th Avenue, the county road leading to Pekin Community School District.
• $2 Million for the Iowa County, Route W21 Pavement Improvement in Iowa County: Funding for this project will be used to upgrade and extend route W21 two miles from the Iowa County/Washington County border to north of F67.
• $2 Million for the Papoose Creek Redundant Force Main in Muscatine: This project will construct new force main segments to increase wastewater system capacity, reduce combined sewer overflows during heavy rain events, and provide backup infrastructure during maintenance or emergencies.
• $1 Million for the Keokuk County, Iowa Route G13 Pavement Improvement Project: Funding for this project will be used to for the resurfacing of route G13 connecting the communities of Keswick and North English in Keokuk County.
• $1 Million for the U.S. Highway 6/Deer Creek Road Intersection Project in Coralville: Funding for this project will improve the U.S. Highway 6/Deer Creek Road intersection. The project will add lanes, a median, traffic signals, lighting, railroad safety enhancements, and turn lanes, and will provide the needed improvements to improve traffic safety and accommodate the growth in traffic in that area.
• $1 Million for the North River Drive Connector Project in Clinton: The funding would be used to build a 1.5-mile north/south roadway link between downtown Clinton, IA, and the Lyons Business District. The new roadway will run along the land side of the existing Mississippi River levee between Riverview Drive to the south and 25th Avenue North to the north.
• $1 Million for the Montgomery Drive Improvement Project in Tipton: The funding would be used to convert an existing one lane, gravel Access Road, into a concrete, curb and gutter, residential street with an accompanying parallel 10-foot-wide concrete pedestrian/bicycle trail. The new street will be called “Montgomery Drive.”
• $1 Million for the Lee County Career Center Project: Funding for this project will be used to build out and equip the Lee County Career Center for the mutual benefit of Lee County and southeast Iowa industries, Lee County high school students, and Lee County adult learners.
• $750,000 for the Veterans District Sewer Project in Knoxville: Funding will help build a sanitary lift station and storm and sewer lines to serve over 110 acres of future housing development at the former VA campus, now known as the Veterans District—expanding housing and revitalizing the area.
• $500,000 for the SAFECity Initiative in Oskaloosa: Led by the Oskaloosa Police Department, this initiative brings advanced public safety technology to the community. It includes license plate recognition systems, new body and in-car cameras, upgraded police facilities, school safety panic buttons, a real-time crime monitoring system, and a search-and-rescue drone.

Residents in Burlington are being encouraged to review and comment on a proposed air quality construction permit for the Burlington Generating Station.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has opened a public comment period for a draft permit submitted by IPL, which operates the Burlington Generating Station on Sullivan Slough Road. The company is requesting approval to update the power plant to help meet growing electricity demand in the region.

As part of the proposal, IPL plans to install five new natural gas–fired engines capable of producing up to 94 megawatts of electricity. To make room for the new equipment, four older turbines and their starter engines would be shut down and removed.

The project also includes several support upgrades, such as emergency-use diesel-powered backup engines, on-site diesel fuel storage tanks, natural gas heaters for building heat, and new natural gas piping. Additional safety equipment and increased truck traffic on facility roads are also anticipated.

The DNR says its permitting process is designed to ensure facilities meet state and federal air quality standards, and public input is an important part of that review.

A virtual public hearing is scheduled for March 9, from 12 PM to 2 PM CST. To register for the public hearing, use the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ed7QjhaAQ26vso5ueSroHw. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting virtually or by phone.

Public comments will be accepted until March 9th, and all comments will be considered before the permit is finalized.

Nearly 120 Southeast Iowa leaders gathered to make our voices heard in Des Moines this week.

KILJ News attended Southeast Iowa Days at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines Wednesday and Thursday, February 4th and 5th.

The annual event provides an opportunity to hear directly from state leadership on key business and policy issues impacting the region, including economic development, transportation, and workforce development. It also allows community leaders to meet with legislators to discuss priorities important to Southeast Iowa and hear from legislators what bills they are working on to pass in session. The major topic of discussion was property taxes.

KILJ News heard from several state and local leaders during the two-day event, including Blaine Watkins, Taylor Collins, Jeff Reichman, and Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer.

Remarks from Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer:

Remarks from Rep. Taylor Collins:

Remarks from Rep. Blaine Watkins:

Remarks from Sen. Jeff Reichman:

Representative Jeff Shipley was unable to attend the legislative reception due to a committee meeting. Senator Adrian Dickey was unavailable for comment.

Americans love a good party, and Super Bowl Sixty is one of the most anticipated weekends of the year. Super Bowl LX will be played Sunday, February 8^th between Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.

To help keep drivers and partygoers safe, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is teaming up with area law enforcement to remind football fans that fans don’t let fans drive drunk.

Whether you’re heading out to a restaurant or attending a Super Bowl party, officials say it’s important to plan ahead. If your evening involves alcohol, make sure you have a sober, designated driver arranged before the game begins.

Those hosting parties are encouraged to look out for guests by supporting designated drivers and making sure they stay alcohol-free. Designated drivers are being recognized as the real MVPs of the night, reminding everyone they’re responsible for getting friends and family home safely.

If someone has been drinking and tries to drive, take their keys and help them get home safely—even if they don’t appreciate it at the time.

Officials remind drivers that it’s never okay to drink and drive, even after just one drink. If needed, call a taxi or rideshare, and report suspected drunk driving to local law enforcement.

The Mount Pleasant Childcare Center will continue serving local families after securing a temporary location ahead of its current lease expiration.

KILJ recently spoke with Mount Pleasant Childcare Center Board President Matt Barton about the future of the facility. The childcare center was founded by a group of community leaders in 2020 and officially opened in July of 2021 at its current location, the former Family Video building at 304 West Washington Street.

That lease is set to expire at the end of February, requiring the center to find an alternative location that meets state licensing requirements and remains financially sustainable. Barton says the center will not be closing and will continue offering all current services.

With the help of community partners—particularly the City of Mount Pleasant—the childcare center has secured a temporary location adjacent to Cottrell Gym. The move will allow the center to maintain operations while leaders work toward a long-term solution that balances state regulations, staffing needs, and overall sustainability.

The Mount Pleasant Childcare Center currently serves approximately 30 families and employs between four and six full-time staff members, along with several part-time employees. Many of the part-time workers are high school students exploring careers in childcare or education.

In addition to daytime care, the center will continue its after-school programming Monday through Friday at Harlan Elementary School. Transportation is provided through the school district, with programming running from 3:10 to 5:30 each afternoon.

Barton emphasized that the temporary move ensures continuity of care for families while discussions continue regarding a permanent location that meets long-term needs.

A formaldehyde chemical spill was reported in the Surgery Department (OR) at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center (SEIRMC), West Burlington, at approximately 8:45 a.m. yesterday, Tuesday, February 3rd. The West Burlington Fire Department was contacted to assist the SEIRMC hazmat team in cleaning up and neutralizing the spill and mitigating any further risk of exposure.

Formaldehyde, in the form of formalin, is an inert chemical used for tissue preservation in the OR. The room where the spill occurred has been made unavailable for use. No patients were exposed to the chemical. One employee did suffer an exposure and was immediately treated in the Emergency Department. Patient and employee safety remains a top priority for GRH.

Great River Health appreciates the support and response of the West Burlington Fire Department, West Burlington Police Department, and the Des Moines County Local Emergency Planning Committee.