(Washington, D-C) – Officials in Washington, today (Thursday), announced more than $4.9 billion in funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to 37 projects through two major discretionary grant programs, the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) grant program and the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program. This includes $34 million in funding for the Southeast Connector: SE 30th to US 65 project, in Des Moines

The project will construct the final approximately 2.2-mile roadway section of the Southeast Connector between SE 30th Street in Des Moines to US 65 in Pleasant Hill. The project will also modify public infrastructure to accommodate the planned expansion of a freight facility. The project provides two vehicular travel lanes, curbs and gutters, street lighting, and an approximate 12-foot multi-use trail with green space on the south side. The project also includes an approximately 1,515-foot long seven span bridge that will traverse over Fourmile Creek. The project will improve safety for vulnerable roadway users by adding a multi-use trail separated from the roadway. The project will also improve safety by eliminating three at-grade crossings.