In 2017, the City Council approved a resolution supporting a Revitalizing Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE) grant application to the Iowa Department of Transportation for transportation improvements to SE Hulsizer Road in the Hicklin Idustrial Park.  This project includes the re-alignment of SE Hulsizer Road, shifting the alignment west to connect with SE Oralabor Road where a traffic signal will be installed between the current Olive Garden and Perkins restaurants.

Staff has heard from several business located on and near SE Hulsizer Road that access, specifically the southbound left turn movement off SE Hulsizer Road onto SE Oralabor Road, is becoming increasingly difficult as traffic volumes in the area have increased.  As traffic along Oralabor Road and Delaware Avenue continues to increase, drivers are experiencing greater wait times at this busy intersection, making timely delivery of products more difficult.  These wait times are also becoming a safety concern as impatient drivers are making unsafe movements or using cut through alternate routes to avoid this intersection.  This realignment is necessary to warrant a traffic signal at this location, which will decrease wait times and improve safety.

In addition to addressing delays and safety concerns, these improvements support the City's business retention and expansion efforts in this area.  Providing adequate access is critical for the short term and long term viability of the 205 acre Hicklin Industrial Park.  An additional 27.3 acres of M1 zoned property located in the industrial park is available for new development or expansion.  Providing improved access will greatly enhance the marketability of this land, while also retaining the existing businesses and the several hundred employees currently employed in the business park.

The Iowa DOT has awarded the City $651,446 of RISE funding to support this project.  The project was recently approved in the 2019 CIP.  Acceptance of this agreement will allow the project to move forward, with engineering in 2019 and construction beginning in 2020.

The engineer's estimate for the project is $2,377,133. The remaining $1,725,687 would be considered local match and will be covered by tax increment revenue.

To approve the grant agreement between the Iowa Department of Transportation and City of Ankeny as presented.