Formation of joint committee discussed

County Engineer Derek Snead and the Jones County Supervisors discussed the possibilities of a joint committee with the City of Anamosa concerning the future of the Old Dubuque Road/130^th Street intersection with Highway 151. 

The agenda stated the committee would be responsible for discussing the design of an extension of Old Dubuque to Parham Drive, which would result in the closure of the dangerous intersection. Snead felt the committee would be better suited discussing a design and implementing a safety project. 

“I think that’s more appropriate to say,” he said, not wanting to pigeonhole the committee to one specific project to solve the problem. 

Snead also suggested the committee should include DOT representatives as well, as they have jurisdiction over the highway. 

“The accidents that occur are on the DOT’s portion of the roadway,” said Snead. “Any project we do would be on a majority of their corridor.” 

Supervisor Wayne Manternach said input might be needed from Jones County Economic Development, Jones Regional Medical Center, and the Anamosa School District. 

“We need their input, but they don’t necessarily need to be on the committee,” clarified Manternach. 

On the City of Anamosa’s side, Snead said he received word that Mayor Rod Smith, City Administrator Jacob Sheridan, and Police Chief Jeremiah Hoyt would be interested in serving on the committee. 

Supervisor Joe Oswald asked that Snead and Sheriff Greg Graver also serve on the committee. 

Anything the committee discusses will be brought to the supervisor meeting, to keep everything out in the open. 

The supervisors and Snead also discussed the public hearing that took place on Jan. 9. Manternach said the majority of those present were Anamosa residents and business owners. He felt while their side was heard, those who contacted Manternach want to see the intersection closed. 

“We heard the Anamosa side,” he said. “My contacts are not in favor of keeping it open at all. 

“I represent the whole county,” continued Manternach. 

The board will take formal action on the formation of a committee at their next meeting. 

Snead said following the hearing, he, again, met with the DOT. They informed him that Dyersville and Springville, both with dangerous intersections, looked at doing the same overpass project several years ago. Nothing came of the discussions in Springville, while Dyersville jumped on the project right away. 

“Dyersville immediately hired a consultant to work on their project,” said Snead. “They got it done. Time, here, is of the essence.” 

He also warned the board that there are hard deadlines to apply for safety funds. The grants have also become more competitive than in the past. 

“They are more specific on what they give money to,” Snead explained. “In order to get full funding, you need to be farther along in the project design.” 

Snead said the DOT only awards up to $500,000 to one project. In this case, you have multiple entities seeking safety funds for the same project.