March 28, 2024

Iowa viaduct dealt setback as agency rejects funding

SIOUX CITY — Sioux City’s long-planned viaduct over railroad tracks could be in jeopardy after a federal agency rejected a request for nearly $15 million in funding.

The U.S. Department of Transportation denied the bid for a $14.8 million grant that would have covered nearly three-quarters of the estimated $20.7 million project.

“The cost of the project is pretty cost-prohibitive without federal funding,” City Manager Bob Padmore said of the viaduct.

Officials have long supported the viaduct over the tracks at 18th Street, which they say would eliminate long delays for motorists waiting for trains and could spur more growth in an industrial area bordering the Floyd River.

The city’s plan also includes the closure of 11th Street, which officials said would benefit a large Cargill soy-processing complex that straddles the street. But some nearby businesses, including the Food Bank of Siouxland, said closing the street would disrupt their operations.

Cargill had pledged $1.5 million toward the project, with the city adding $2 million and three railroad companies also agreeing to contribute funding.

Economic development department Director Marty Dougherty said the city wouldn’t give up on the plan and would seek federal money for the viaduct next year.