The Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments is an association of local governments that is committed to identifying, securing, and coordinating local, regional, and federal government projects and programs for the enhancement of our region and member communities.
Developing Strong Local Government Through Regional Cooperation
News & Highlights
August 2026
Notice of Public Input Opportunity
Iowa Transportation Commission and Iowa Department of Transportation are seeking Public Input to update the State Transportation Plan. This plan provides a framework for how future investments should be made to Iowa’s multimodal transportation system, including all modes such as aviation, public transit, rail, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, highways, and water transportation. As part of the update, the Iowa Department of Transportation is inviting Iowans to offer input on Iowa’s multimodal transportation system via a short 5-10-minute survey. To provide your feedback, please follow the link below:
Survey Link: https://iowadot.gov/FutureTravel; The survey will remain open until August 31, 2026.
For additional information on the current State Transportation Plan, please visit https://iowadot.gov/transportation-development/systems-planning/areas-planning/transportation-plans/state-transportation-plan.
For questions about the survey, please contact the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Systems Planning Bureau, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010, call 515-233-7950, or email at iowa.motion@iowadot.us.
June 2026
Notice is hereby given that the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG) will hold an in-person and a virtual public input session for draft FY 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Click here to get more details and the virtual meeting link.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced a $1.1 billion investment into improving safety infrastructure at railroad crossings to save American lives. Funds are available for projects that build overpasses or underpasses so cars and trains never meet; upgrade safety technology at crossings; relocate tracks in order to close a grade crossing; educate Americans on how to cross train tracks safely. Deadline for application is June 8th, 2026. For more detail, visit – Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program or Crossing Safety Program.
March 2025
How to Ride with MET: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Riding the bus with MET is super easy! Just follow these 3 simple steps:
1) Wave Hand – When you’re ready to get on, wave your hand at any street corner on a route to let the driver know. They’ll stop to pick you up!
2) Get On – When the bus stops, hop on! Pay your fare, find a seat, and get comfy for the ride.
3) Request Stop – Pull the STOP cord one block before your stop. Cross the street safely!
And that’s it! Three easy steps to make your ride with MET Transit simple and fun. Safe travels!
February 2025
Help Shape the Future of Regional Biking!
The RTA is seeking input from communities across the region on the draft 2050 Bikeway Plan. This plan will guide future investments in biking infrastructure, improving connectivity and accessibility for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
HOW TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK:
- Review Existing Facilities – Check the Interactive Map for accuracy of current bicycling infrastructure.
- Review Planned Trails – Explore the Planned Trails layer to see proposed routes and suggest updates.
- Contact RTA Staff – If your community has additional trails to be considered, coordinate with Nick Fratzke nfratzke@inrcog.org
- @inrcog.org to ensure they are included in the working plan.
Final SS4A CSAP Submitted for Council Approval
The final Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) for Downtown Waterloo has been completed and submitted to the City Council for review and approval in March. Incorporating feedback from city officials, staff, Iowa DOT staff, and the steering committee, the plan outlines key solutions to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists in the downtown corridor.
This plan will enable the city to apply for additional Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) funding to implement these improvements, enhancing safety and accessibility for all. Stay tuned for updates on the City Council’s review and approval process!
December 2024
Black Hawk County MPO Partners on EPA Community Change Grant Application
UNI’s Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE), in collaboration with the MPO and the City of Waterloo, applied for the EPA’s Community Change Grant. Titled Green Waterloo: Implementing Neighborhood Strategies for Community Health and Resilience, the project seeks over $17 million in full funding to revitalize disadvantaged portions of Waterloo through innovative initiatives.
Transportation-focused projects include 19 miles of new bike accommodations, a vanpool program, and an e-bike share system to promote clean mobility and reduce air pollution. Other key components include green infrastructure, resilient housing, pollution reduction, and workforce development programs aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
This grant opportunity is specifically designed to support disadvantaged communities, helping to address environmental and health disparities. If awarded, this funding will be a significant step toward a greener, healthier Waterloo.
For more information on this application, contact Nick Fratzke.
Durant Reappointed to AMPO Active Transportation Interest Group
The Black Hawk County MPO is pleased to announce Kyle Durant’s reappointment to the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (AMPO) Active Transportation Interest Group for a second term.
AMPO supports MPOs nationwide through collaboration and advocacy. Its Active Transportation Group focuses on advancing walking, biking, and other non-motorized transportation.
Since becoming an AMPO member in 2023, the Black Hawk County MPO has benefitted from Kyle’s leadership and dedication to creating safer, more sustainable transportation networks.
November 2024
Transportation Funding Applications Now Open
The MPO and RTA are accepting applications for STBG and TASA/TAP funds. These funds provide a valuable opportunity to improve transportation infrastructure and promote alternative transportation options. The MPO is also accepting applications for the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP). This funding source aims to support projects that contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
For more details on how to submit your application and deadlines, visit the Funding Opportunities pages linked below.
Introducing Black Hawk County’s First Green Bike Lanes!
The City of Waterloo took a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation with the installation of new green buffered bike lanes on Park Avenue. Stretching from Franklin Street to the Park Avenue Bridge, these lanes are designed to enhance cyclist visibility and safety, creating a vibrant “Greenway” downtown. Plans are in place to extend the green bike lanes further south to South Street in conjunction with future reconstruction or pavement rehab of Park Avenue, with the exact timing to be determined.
MPO staff played a key role in designing the updated bike lanes and securing funding to cover the costs of the paint. Additionally, the Waterloo Complete Streets Advisory Committee has been actively involved in the project for the past few years, ensuring that it aligns with the city’s goals for enhancing transportation infrastructure and promoting safe, accessible streets for all users.
September 2024
MET Transit Launches Restructured Routes & Free Rides Event
MET Transit is launching their restructured routes on Monday, September 23rd. All users may ride fixed routes for free between September 23 – October 26 to explore the new routes and enhanced service.
Key improvements include:
- Inbound and Outbound Buses
- Additional Transfer Points
- Direct and Faster Service
To find out more information, visit the MET Transit website or click here.
August 2024
SS4A Survey
How safe do you feel walking, biking, riding, or driving around downtown Waterloo? What ideas do you have? Tell us in the survey below!
Click here to read more about the SS4A project or take the survey in another language.
July 2024
Northeast Industrial Access NEPA Study Underway
The MPO hired AECOM to carry out the NEPA Study, aiming to identify a preferred alternative and complete the preliminary design. This will help address capacity, access, and safety challenges, moving the project closer to implementation. The study will take 18 to 24 months. More details are available on the project page.
June 2024
Draft TIP Documents Available
The draft Fiscal Year 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP) for the Black Hawk County MPO and the Iowa Northland Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) are available for public comment. The TIPs include all projects programmed for federal transportation funding in the next four years. You can view the drafts through the links below or visiting the INRCOG office.
March 2024
City of Waterloo Awarded RCN Grant
The U.S. DOT recently announced awards for the nationally competitive Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program (RCN). Waterloo was one of 72 communities awarded planning funds. The $750,000 award will be used to analyze the location and impacts of the CN Railyard between E 4th St and Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. The study will specifically look at safety, equity, community connection, potential relocation, and economic development.
Follow the City of Waterloo’s Facebook page and the MPO website to stay up to date on this endeavor.
RCN is a discretionary grant program established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program focuses on improving equity for disadvantaged communities who have been impacted by highways, railroads, and other transportation facilities that create barriers to a community’s access to mobility, economic development, and daily needs. Read more about RCN here.
MPO Unveils Complete Streets Policy
The MPO Complete Streets Policy outlines a vision for our streets that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and mobility for all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance the overall quality of life by promoting sustainable transportation options and ensuring that our public spaces contribute positively to the health and well-being of the community.
Trails & QR Code Decals!
Summer 2023
Keep an eye out for QR Code Decals that were installed on Wayfinding Signs this past summer! The QR codes lead to the Interactive Trail Map which showcases over 120 miles of trails, trail and bridge closures, various recreational amenities, and more! Visit the map here.
This project was made possible by the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership Grant.
Interactive Maps & Paper Trail Guide
Explore over 235 miles of paved trails or embark on a water trail journey of 47 miles with our Interactive Trails Map, Water Trails Map, and our 2023 Cedar Valley Trails & Recreation Guide!
Map QR-Code Cards
Stop into the INRCOG office to grab some Map QR-code cards! The front of the card takes users to the Interactive Cedar Valley Trails Map, and the back of the card takes users to the Cedar Valley Water Trails Map!
Contact Us
229 E Park Ave
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319)-235-0311
inrcog@inrcog.org
Title VI
The MPO receives federal funding and may not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, or national origin according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more information or to obtain a Title VI complaint form, click here.
Disclaimer
This website serves as a means of public access to MPO information and services. This website is subject to change without notice. Use of the information provided is the sole responsibility of the user.
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Black Hawk County MPO 