HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-01-J01D General Correspondence - Receipt, File - Des Moines Office of MayorAGENDA ITEM:
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: March 1, 2021
AGENDA ITEM:Consideration of approval of a motion to receive and file 02/15/2021
correspondence from the City of Des Moines Office of the Mayor
regarding Central Iowa Water Trails
FORMAT:Consent Agenda
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: Correspondence from Des Moines Mayor Frank
Cownie regarding the Central Iowa Water Trails project.
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT:
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT:
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file the correspondence.
ATTACHMENTS: I. 02/15/2021 letter
PREPARED BY:Becky Schuett
REVIEWED BY:
PUBLIC NOTICE INFORMATION –
NAME OF PUBLICATION:
DATE OF PUBLICATION:
J1D
February 15, 2021
Honorable Courtney Clarke
Mayor of Waukee
230 Hickman Rd.
Waukee, IA 50263
Dear Mayor Clarke,
As we approach the first year of the coronavirus pandemic here in central Iowa, I
want to commend your leadership and actions in mitigating the community spread of
COVID-19. The challenges for our residents, businesses and city staffs have been
significant but hopefully, we will turn an important corner this spring and begin a return
to normal.
It's interesting that when daily routines were in short supply this past year, many Iowans
found new ways to stir old feelings and venture beyond the bubble of the pandemic.
Regardless of age, income, ethnicity or gender – residents throughout the metro
embraced the outdoors. In Des Moines and Polk County, park use skyrocketed 200% as
our residents took to the trails and neighborhood parks to find a sense of calm and
renew the balance in their lives.
Many of us discovered, or became reacquainted with the notion, that being outdoors
can deliver a physical and mental well-being during even the most difficult and
uncertain times. Henry David Thoreau wrote, “we can never have enough of nature.”
So true.
And that’s the reason I am writing today, to share my thoughts about and support for
an initiative that has the potential to bring monumental transformation and
opportunity to the region. I’m talking about the Central Iowa Water Trails project: 150
miles of rivers and streams made accessible through scores of community
improvements up and down the waterways.
This undertaking has steadily built momentum since 2015 and is now well underway
with more than $20 million secured in private funding. Additionally, the project has
garnered a $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD)
grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. These are significant milestones in
very short order.
Those funds are but the fiscal start of a regional investment that will bring long-term
dividends to our communities, businesses and residents. Returns that we will see
through an enhanced quality of life for all who call this home and the ability to attract
and retain enterprising, young employees. And, of course, the projected direct
economic infusion of $105 million in new, direct spending in the region by year five.
That is an extraordinary impact for each of our cities with 86 access points planned to
be available for all our residents.
I personally see this initiative as a way to focus on the resources our rivers and streams
bring to our communities and an opportunity to invest in improvements that will
expand not only recreational options, but our ability to improve water quality and our
environment.
Big, bold ideas that have the scope to transcend don’t come often, so when they do,
we as community leaders need to work collectively to make them a reality – to seize
the opportunity just as we have done in the past.
I’ve had the great fortune to serve the City of Des Moines for many years and I can
say unquestionably that this is one of the most ambitious projects I’ve seen presented.
More than 15 of our metro communities – yours and mine included – support this
innovative initiative.
I hope the Central Iowa Water Trails can continue to count on your commitment,
collaboration and support. Your leadership is crucial in moving this effort forward.
Thanks so much for your time.
Respectfully,
Frank Cownie
Mayor of Des Moines