October 25, 2017 – Lisa Miller, Bi-State Data/GIS Director, gave an overview of the newly updated data portal website, GreaterQCRegionData.org.
Staff worked with Far Reach Technologies, Inc. to give the website a new look and update its technology, including making it mobile-friendly, streamlining the data reports, and automating and expanding the data on the website.
October 25, 2017 – Jim Tank, Bi-State Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Board Member and RLF Program Representative to Bi-State Regional Commission, noted that the Bi-State Revolving Loan Fund is celebrating 32 years of providing gap financing to businesses. Since the inception of the program in 1985, nearly $10.5 million has been loaned to 109 businesses in Rock Island and Scott Counties. These loans have helped generate over $439 million in total investments, accessing city and state public financing programs, financial institutions, and company equity. In addition, nearly 3,900 jobs have been created/retained in the two-county area. Currently, there is approximately $700,000 available to loan.
September 27, 2017 – Colonel Kenneth Tauke, Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), gave his final presentation to the Commission before his time as RIA Garrison Commander concludes in summer 2018. He manages services and facilities for the 950 acre (1.5 square mile) Arsenal Island.
RIA houses five Commands that reach 40 states and19 countries, including Army Sustainment Command, Joint Munitions Command, Army Contracting Command, First Army, and Army Corps of Engineers. The regional reach may also be demonstrated through the distribution of the employees of RIA that are 48% from Iowa and 52% from Illinois.
April 7, 2017 – The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced the grant cycle of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, ITEP, will open on October 2, 2017. Applications will be due December 1, 2017 with selected projects announced in spring 2018. Grants are awarded up to 80% of total project cost up to $2 million. All applicants must be in compliance with the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA), which includes registering at www.grants.illinois.gov and fulfilling all other related requirements and documents. More information on ITEP can be found at http://www.idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/local-transportation-partners/county-engineers-and-local-public-agencies/funding-opportunities/ITEP.
August 23, 2017 – More lives are lost to fires than any other major disaster. Sound the Alarm is an effort to install at least 700 fire detectors in the Bi-State Region on October 14, 2017. These detectors are free and have 10-year lithium batteries. Red Cross is asking everyone to spread the word about this life-saving program, and is collecting appointments and recruiting volunteers. To make an appointment, visit SoundTheAlarm.org or call 309-743-2166 or 844-319-6560 and press 9.
Important Dates:
In addition, bedside alarms will be available for hard-of-hearing and/or deaf residents in need. Once the initial home visit is made to install traditional smoke alarms, and the need for a bedside alarm is documented, volunteers will go back to install bedside alarms at a later date.
July 26, 2017 – Bi-State Region: In 1989, a barge terminal study was done for the Quad Cities metropolitan area. It determined that containers on barge was not feasible at the time; the best location was a site to become a casino, and private ownership was recommended. In ensuing years, the metro and regional long range plans have included freight as an important transportation component in the region, and staff have assisted with grant applications for transload facilities, switch yard studies, rail spurs, and grade separations. In 2014-15, funding was secured to complete the Bi-State Freight Plan to add to the region’s understanding of freight transportation, identify system gaps or barriers for moving goods, and determine projects to enhance the region’s freight and logistics capabilities.
June 28, 2017 – Joe Taylor of the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau (QCCVB) presented Commission Chair Carol Earnhardt with the 2017 Trails for Health Award from American Trails. The award was given to Bi-State Regional Commission, Quad City Health Initiative, and Be Healthy QC for their combined efforts on the QCTrails.org website.
The groundbreaking for Bettendorf’s BettPlex sports center was held on July 5. There has been an increase in the number of sporting events of all kinds in the Quad Cities region, including softball tournaments.
May 24, 2017 – As part of the Bi-State Regional Commission agency budgeting process, staff annually prepare the Transportation Planning Work Programs (TPWPs) for the Quad Cities metropolitan planning area (MPA) and Region 9, serving rural Scott County and Muscatine County. The TPWPs reflect staff work/tasks/activities for the upcoming fiscal year 2018, and include budgets for transportation planning short and long-range activities, delineating federal, state, and local planning funds. Activities include staffing transportation meetings, technical assistance, such as grant writing and traffic or trail studies/analysis, as well as the development of various modal planning and transportation funding programming. These activities represent nearly 50% of the Bi-State Regional Commission budget as a whole, and are supported with matching funds from membership dues.
May 24, 2017 – As part of a grant from the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bi-State Regional Commission hosted a 2-hour workshop on May 23, 2017 at the Bettendorf Library to showcase opportunities to incorporate more walkable, bikable, and accessible streets within our region. Representatives from the Active Transportation Alliance spoke on the benefits and myths about what it means to be a “Complete Street.” The non-profit is based in Chicago and advocates creating healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities by advancing walking, bicycling, and transit use in communities.
Benefits of Complete Streets include opportunities for increased physical activity and better air quality by shifting people from cars. There is an inclusiveness when children, older adults, and those with disabilities can go places without travel barriers. More people out bicycling and walking are “eyes on the street” and provide a social, community aspect where people can meet and interact.