IOWA CITY

A proposed rail service linking North Liberty and the University of Iowa’s West Campus may be established in a number of months.

While discussions of regional transportation have gone on for years, a proposal by Pop-Up Metro, a railway management company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, would establish an 8.2-mile segment in just months. The system would utilize modular loading platforms and two-car sets remanufactured from trains used in London, England.

The proposal, which was presented to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors at its June 12 work session, includes a three-year pilot program.

“It’s going to take a lot of coordination,” Supervisor Jon Green said. “I think this is really a neat opportunity. I hope we do champion it.”

The trains would go from Forevergreen Street on the North Liberty-Coralville border to Burlington Street in Iowa City with an estimated one-way travel time of 15 minutes.

“We have a historic opportunity here,” Supervisor Chair Rod Sullivan said.

Johnson County would coordinate efforts with the cities of North Liberty, Coralville and Iowa City for the CRANDIC line, which would be eligible for federal funding. Green will actually see the trains, and ride on one, during a planning trip to Pennsylvania in July.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County plans to release a rapid bus transit study during the summer.

Regional transportation plans have not included a link to areas south of Iowa City.

Sharon Center Road

Boomerang Corp., a construction firm from Anamosa, was awarded the construction project to rebuild a culvert on Sharon Center Road SW.

A northern portion of the road, which links Kalona to Highway 1 just southwest of Iowa City, is closed and detoured due to a failed culvert.

“We know this is closed and we are working as quickly as we can to get this back open,” Sullivan said. “This is a fairly expedited project and we’re hopeful they’ll get it done ASAP.”

Boomerang was the low bidder at $284,380, which was more than $5,000 under the engineering estimate for the project.

The road begins at Highway 1 west of Iowa City and cuts through the middle of Sharon Township and down to Kalona, and is a frequently used route for motorists, farmers and others. The closure is just north of the Welsh Congregational Church of Christ and about half a mile south of the road’s intersection with Highway 1 in southwest rural Johnson County.

Juneteenth Tribute

As the Board recognized the Juneteenth holiday, June 19, with a proclamation at its formal session June 13, outgoing Supervisor Royceann Porter took the moment to show her appreciation for being selected as the first Black Supervisor in Johnson County history.

She finished fourth in the Democratic Primary June 4, meaning she will finish out her four-year term in December.

“Serving as the first African-American woman elected to a county seat in Johnson County has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for the trust and support you have shown me the past 5 and a half years.

“While my recent Primary Election did not turn out as I had hoped, I am filled with immerse pride for the progress we have made together. We have worked tirelessly to create a more inclusive, equitable and just community. Our journey has not always been easy, but it has been profoundly rewarding. Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of freedom, equality and justice, values that we must continue to fight for every day.”

Supervisor Chair Rod Sullivan, Supervisor Lisa Green-Douglass and Mandi Remington, all Democrats, finished one-two-three in the Primary voting for three seats. They will run unopposed in November.

Food & Farm Grants

The third round of the Community Food and Farm Grant Program drew 48 applicants seeking a combined $877,342 in funding. Of those, 17 have been recommended for about $350,000 in funding; $350,000 is the budgeted amount for Round 3, following grants of $385,000 provided in the previous two rounds.

The awards in Round 3 will include $25,000 each to Trowel & Error Farm, Garden Oasis Farm, Baladna Farm, Kandakat Sudan, 5M Emprendimiento Latino, Wild Woods Farm, and Yotopia Frozen Yogurt.

In addition to providing the funds, which benefit Johnson County farms and businesses, Sullivan is hopeful the program gets to be better known.

“It sure would be nice to get the word out a little bit,” Sullivan said. “I’m almost disheartened when I hear that people still don’t understand the support that we provide to the local food network.”

Board Actions

The Board approved the preliminary and final plats for Krueger Legacy, a one-lot farmstead split of 2.32 acres located south of 580th Street SE, northeast of Lone Tree.

The Board approved a resolution that clears the way for up to $2.25 million to be used in loan agreements and bonds in conjunction with affordable housing apartment buildings.

The Board appointed HR Director Lindsey Jones as the bargaining representative for Johnson County.

The Board approved a professional services agreement with Impact7G to continue the implementation of the 7 Year Natural Areas Management Plan at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm.

The Board approved an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) subrecipient agreement of $686,000 with Johnson County Empowerment/ECIA for infant and toddler scholarships.

The Board approved memorandums of understanding with Social Services, totaling $1.15 million, for wage enhancement and child care assistance programs.

The Board issued a proclamation in honor of Juneteenth Freedom Day, June 19.