Iowa DOT unveils new freight transportation grant program

The Iowa Department of Transportation is offering a new grant program to help fund multimodal projects aimed at improving freight transportation in the state.

The Linking Iowa’s Freight Transportation System (LIFTS) program targets projects that “contribute to effective and efficient freight transportation,” Iowa DOT officials said in an announcement. The department’s Office of Rail Transportation will administer the program, although the projects that qualify for funding will not be limited to rail.

Projects that qualify for funding under traditional highway programs will not be eligible for the grants.

Applications for LIFTS program funding are due Oct. 23 and will be reviewed in November. The Iowa Transportation Commission is expected to approve grant finalists in January 2016.