Skip to main content
Image
Front view of the Capitol

Miller-Meeks Secures over $24 Million in Community Project Funding for Southeast Iowa

February 13, 2026

In the 119th Congress alone, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) has successfully secured over $24 million in Community Project Funding for transformational projects in southeast Iowa, including major investments in childcare, rural health care, water infrastructure, law enforcement, and workforce development.

“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.”

Project Details

Cascade Bridge Project in Burlington - $6 Million

This funding will be used to replace the deteriorated Cascade Bridge with a modern, safe, and functional structure while preserving its historical essence. This project will not only preserves our town's historical legacy but also enhance infrastructure safety and accessibility.

110th Street FDR & Asphalt Paving Project in Jefferson Country - $3 Million

Funding will be used to pave 110th Avenue, the county road leading to Pekin Community School District.

Newton YMCA – $2.79 Million

This funding will expand the Newton YMCA to open 50 new childcare slots, helping address Jasper County’s severe childcare shortage. The expansion will also support youth programming, fitness access, and community wellness, strengthening economic growth and supporting working families.

Papoose Creek Redundant Force Main in Muscatine - $2 Million

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.

Route W21 Pavement Improvement in Iowa County - $2 Million

This investment will be used to upgrade and extend route W21 two miles from the Iowa County/Washington County border to north of F67. Improving Route W21 is imperative for a variety of interests, including school bus routes, emergency medical response, fire response, law enforcement, and the movement of agricultural commodities.

Jones Regional Medical Center (JRMC) – $2 Million

Funding will expand and modernize JRMC’s west wing to build a permanent 17,000 sq. ft. Advanced Simulation Lab, replacing the temporary trailers currently used for nursing education. This new state-of-the-art facility will allow JRMC’s nursing program to graduate 14 additional nurses per year and expand advanced training opportunities for other high-demand medical professions. The project will secure long-term workforce development and help meet Iowa’s growing need for healthcare providers.

Iowa Route G13 Pavement Improvement in Keokuk County - $1 Million

Funding for this project will be used for the resurfacing of route G13 connecting the communities of Keswick and North English in Keokuk County. 

U.S. Highway 6/Deer Creek Road Intersection Project in Coralville - $1 Million

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. 

North River Drive Connector Project in Clinton - $1 Million

The funding will 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. This project will reconnect the vibrant downtown area with direct access to the Riverfront and businesses adjacent to the Mississippi River.

Montgomery Drive Improvement in Tipton - $1 Million

This investment will 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.” Montgomery Drive will pass through a 20-acre area of undeveloped land and open it up to single-family residential development. This project will help solve the housing crisis in Tipton by opening a large area for development allowing more residents to move to the city and contribute to the economic development of this community.

Career Center in Lee County - $1 Million

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. The completed center will train over 150 students annually with state-of the-art equipment for manufacturing and healthcare in partnership with Lee County industries. 

Keokuk Area Hospital – $825,000

This investment will help restore critical health services to Lee County, which has not had an operational hospital since October 2022. Funding will support facility improvements that allow the Rural Emergency Hospital to offer outpatient specialty services in addition to emergency care, filling a dangerous gap in access and strengthening health outcomes for the entire region.

Veterans District Sewer Project in Knoxville - $750,000

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.

SAFECity Initiative in Oskaloosa - $500,000

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. The investment will help prevent crime, improve emergency response, and keep the community safe—all without local tax increases.

Community Support

"YMCA will be awarded a $2.79 million federal funding from the USDA, made possible through the support of Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks. To celebrate this milestone, she, along with Newton City Councilman Mark Hallam, visited us personally to share the wonderful news. This funding was included in the Senate package that passed the House last night and was signed into law by President Trump. We are thrilled about the positive impact this will have as we move forward with renovating our 50-year-old facility and addressing the childcare desert in Newton. Three years in the making, today’s visit from the Congressional office underscores their commitment to seeing this initiative through to completion. A huge congratulations to the Newton, Iowa community for this achievement and the positive impact it will have on our entire community. For 150 years, the Newton YMCA has been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals and families. Through generous contributions over the years, we have made a meaningful impact—enabling children to thrive, families to connect, and seniors to lead healthier lives. Our YMCA serves as a safe haven for children, a valuable resource for families to maintain their health, and a community space where everyone can come together. We embrace this opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community. This grant will allow the YMCA to maintain and expand childcare programs that enrich lives and strengthen our community fabric. Together, we can ensure the Newton YMCA remains a place where everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive!" - Newton YMCA

Dr. Jawad Shah, President & CEO of Insight Health Systems, said, “U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks has been a tremendous champion for reopening the Keokuk hospital. The announcement of the federal community project funding for the Insight Keokuk hospital is a turning point for the project. We’re deeply grateful to the Congresswoman for her steadfast commitment to rural health and the local community. Insight is honored to be part of addressing the regional gaps in healthcare and we look forward to moving the project forward to the next phase.”

"On behalf of everyone at UnityPoint Health - Jones Regional Medical Center and the communities we serve, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Rep. Miller-Meeks and her staff for this Community Projects grant. This grant will have a profound positive impact on our ability to effectively recruit, train, and retain healthcare professionals, ensuring that quality care remains accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live." - Eric Briesemeister, President of UPH-Jones Regional Medical Center

"In 2019, our community faced a critical failure in the sanitary force main that carries the majority of Muscatine's downtown wastewater to the treatment facility, resulting in a significant discharge into the Mississippi River. This incident led to a consent decree from the Iowa DNR, requiring us to install a redundant line for enhanced reliability and environmental protection. The City immediately moved forward with planning for this vital redundant force main, which will add more than 5,000 feet of new infrastructure. This project boosts environmental safety, supports future city growth, and improves maintenance capabilities. With an estimated construction cost of $3.8 million, we are deeply grateful for the $2 million in federal funding secured through Congress. A special thank you goes to Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks for her tireless work in championing this project and pushing it across the finish line. Her dedication delivers real benefits not only to our residents but to the entire Mississippi River watershed and our shared environment. Muscatine is stronger and more resilient because of leaders like Congresswoman Miller-Meeks—thank you for investing in our community's future!" - Mayor Brad Bark, Muscatine, Iowa

“The SAFECity Initiative represents a major step forward in how we protect and serve our community. These resources will strengthen school safety, improve our response to emergencies, and give officers better tools to prevent crime before it happens. We appreciate Congresswoman Miller-Meeks’ leadership in securing this investment for Oskaloosa and for recognizing the importance of proactive, technology-driven policing.” - Benjamin Boeke, Oskaloosa Chief of Police

"The City of Tipton is proud to announce it has been awarded a $1 Million dollar Community Project Funding grant through the fiscal year 2026 congressional appropriations process, secured by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. This funding will enable the City of Tipton to move forward with our Montgomery Drive project, which includes converting 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. This will also be the start of an additional residential development site. We are incredibly grateful for Congresswoman Miller-Meeks' support in securing this funding. This grant is a significant investment in our community and allows us to move forward with new housing opportunities. New housing frees up existing homes, increasing the residential population. The grant also will provide an economic boost by providing construction jobs with dollars turning over locally." - Mayor Tammi Goerdt, Tipton Iowa

We are extremely happy to receive this CPF Grant from Representative Miller Meeks. This will definitely boost the economic development on the east end of Main Avenue that was devastated when the bridge was moved. It not only  restores the Lyons  Business district but also opens up the Mississippi River to our entire community. As a long-time resident of the city of Clinton, I appreciate not only this grant but also the support that she has given Clinton in the past.  - Brenda Thornton, longtime Clinton resident and small business owner

"Thank you to Congresswoman Miller-Meeks for prioritizing projects that create growth for Clinton. She is demonstrating how to support cooperation that will bring unified support from the local, state and federal government to create this project that will positively impact the entire Clinton community." - Dennis Lauver, Clinton Resident and business leader

"This investment is a game-changer for Burlington," said  Burlington Mayor Jon D. Billups. "I want to thank Representative Miller-Meeks for her strong partnership and commitment to our community. This funding allows us to continue moving forward with a project that restores a vital transportation corridor and will serve the community for generations to come."

###