News from the Iowa State Association of Counties: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5500 Westown Parkway, Suite 190, West Des Moines, IA 50266

January 14, 2015

Contacts:

Rachel Bennett, ISAC Communications and Marketing Manager, 515.244.7181

Lucas Beenken, ISAC Public Policy Specialist, 515.244.7181

Bill Peterson, ISAC Executive Director, 515.244.7181

Supportive video titled “Transportation Investment | Iowa State Association of Counties” (2:34):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD3y4AbZo8g

Together We Can Fund Iowa’s Roads and Bridges

West Des Moines, IA – In his 2015 Condition of the State Address titled “Together We Can,” Governor Branstad yesterday called for a commitment to infrastructure investment and a bipartisan solution to address road and bridge funding. County officials across the state are encouraged by the Governor’s recognition that our state’s safety, economic growth, tourism, and continued prosperity are dependent on an adequately funded road and bridge system. A brief video explaining the importance of transportation investment can be viewed at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD3y4AbZo8g

“We are eager to continue our work with Governor Branstad and the Iowa Legislature to find common sense, fiscally responsible solutions to help protect the investments we’ve already made and continue to make in Iowa’s infrastructure,” said Melvyn Houser, ISAC President and Pottawattamie County Supervisor.

The Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) is excited to welcome the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, and looks forward to working with the Governor and Legislature on legislative priorities that will help elected and appointed county officials from all across the state better serve their constituents. One of ISAC’s top priorities for the 2015 legislative session is transportation investment, namely, increased funding for Iowa’s roads and bridges.

“Counties are responsible for the maintenance and repair of over 78% of all public road miles in Iowa and over three quarters of the 24,500 bridges,” said Lucas Beenken, ISAC Public Policy Specialist,

“Counties need a long-term, sustainable funding solution to support the secondary road system that is the backbone of Iowa’s economy.”

For more information please visit ISAC’s website at www.iowacounties.org or contact us directly.

The Iowa State Association of Counties is a private, nonprofit corporation whose members are county officials from the 99 counties in Iowa. ISAC’s mission is to promote effective and responsible county government for the people of Iowa.