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Monthly Navigator, Volume 1, Issue 1, September 09

“TIME-TRAVEL” BY ITM PRESIDENT - GERRY SCHNEPF

The title reflects what happens to transportation as we move around the world and through time. Change is what the Iowa Transportation Museum is about reflected through stories of people. The in-dividuals that have inspired or made those changes i.e. the “heroes” that have and continue to make the improvement’s and advancements critical to the movement of people and products throughout the world. The significance of what these people do makes transportation easier, less expensive, more en-ergy efficient, safer, greener, more available and faster. One hundred years ago, would you have even thought of space travel? Our focus at that time was simply to get to the next town without getting stuck in the mud.

As you look through this newsletter let us know those stories that are important to you and how they have affected your life and business.. Take a moment to explore the web pages of www.iowatransportationmuseum.com or www.transportationheroes.org

You will find these sites both exciting and challenging. Join with us in helping to tell both the history and future of transportation in Iowa and the nation. Let us know how you can help be a part of this project. Share your ideas and thoughts.

SPAGHETTI SUPPER...On August 14, 2009, a Spa-ghetti Supper was held at the Elks Lodge in Grinnell. Earlier this year the Elks expressed an interest in sup-porting the ITM by hosting and co-sponsoring a sup-per at the lodge. Other sponsors included Barilla Pasta of Ames and Steve Link Ford Mercury, Inc. of Grinnell. Brochures, pictures and various items that have already been donated to the museum were on display to assist attendees in learning more about the Iowa Transportation Museum project and what it will offer visitors. The event, organized by the local ITM fund raising committee, raised $1100. Entertainment was provided by the Prairie Jewel Dixieland Band.

HISTORIC TAX CREDITS...On July 9, 2009, Chuck Brooke, Executive Director of the ITM attended a workshop in Wa-terloo, sponsored by the State Historic Preservation Of-fice, to become more familiar with the program and the benefits it could offer the ITM. Currently the State of Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs receives an allocation of $50M for the program which is then separated into five funds. On September 1, 2009 the ITM was notified

APPROVAL FOR LOCAL BIDDING...We continue to com-plete the “Pre-Award Checklist and Certification” which will allow ITM to utilize grant dollars for part of the $3.4M Phase One con-struction project, with $2.6M available in approved grants. The FWHA Environmental Concurrence was completed by the IA DOT Office of Location & Environment on July 22. A formal request by the LPA, City of Grinnell, was sent in June, with a detailed project description to request a Supplement Agreement. In sum-mary, we continue to move forward & are ready to act on the next request by the IA DOT.

ANNUAL ITM BIKE RIDE
On June 20, 2009, more than a dozen bike riders and their friends participated in a bike ride from the city of Grinnell, following the bike trail, to Rock Creek Lake. Cold drinks and other treats were available at the lake courteous of local merchants. $650 was raised by the riders to show their support for the ITM project.

SAVE THE DATE:
Oct. 20—Annual Meeting in Grinnell
Nov. 14—Fund Raising Auction in Grinnell