The Polk County Board of Supervisors has granted a $100,000 Community Development Grant to support the construction of the new Des Moines Area Community College Transportation Institute. The facility, part of a $9 million project, aims to double DMACC’s capacity to train new truck drivers by its 2024 completion. The first phase involves the construction of an 8,600-square-foot building with classrooms, a three-story inspection bay and student study space, along with the replacement of the existing 12-acre concrete training course. The second phase focuses on demolishing the current 35-year-old facility. “The need for qualified truck drivers has never been in greater demand,” Polk County Supervisor Steve Van Oort said in a press release, referring to a truck driver shortage caused by retirements and an increase of freight. “Polk County is committed to ensuring safe and reliable transportation to businesses and our residents. That’s why the supervisors were pleased to award [this grant].”