The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization has distributed $14 million for 18 projects that range from streetscapes and trails to street-widening and bridges.

The grants are from federal sources through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The MPO administers the programs locally. Local governments had requested $23.5 million.

The grants become available in October 2022. MPO staff scored the projects on how well they apply to performance measures set out in the area’s long-term plan called “Mobilizing Tomorrow.” Public comment was received also. 

The grants include:

• $3 million for a section of the Southeast Connector in Des Moines.
• $1 million for Northeast Delaware Avenue widening in Ankeny.
• $1.4 million for transit buses for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority.
• $750,000 for the Northwest 100th Street reconstruction in Johnston.

Here’s a full list.