Greater Des Moines Committee Gifts $10,000 to Water Trails Project
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (May 17, 2018) — The Greater Des Moines Committee has announced a $10,000 gift for the multi-year regional water trails project to activate riverfront amenities throughout Greater Des Moines (DSM), including the Des Moines River in Downtown DSM. The Greater Des Moines Committee is comprised of business leaders including CEOs and senior managing partners of DSM companies that have a vested interest in the growth and development of the community and state.
“This project will bring to life one of our best natural amenities for residents and visitors from across the country to experience,” said Bob Ritz, CEO of Mercy Health Network and Chair of the Greater Des Moines Committee. “As a group of business leaders, we are excited to join a growing list of regional partners taking leadership by investing in this project that will have a transformational impact on DSM and add to the momentum in our region.”
Taking steps toward the activation of the Downtown riverfront is part of the Capital Crossroads regional vision plan. A number of community partners are working on the project, including the Great Outdoors Foundation, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
The Water Trails and Greenways Master Plan released by the MPO in 2016 lays out a roadmap for enhancing citizen experiences along waterways in DSM. Overall, the regional project encompasses 150 miles of waterways, 86 project sites and 14 cities and counties.
The Downtown DSM plans could add recreational options such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, surfing and more, and open up opportunities for further activity along the river.
The Lauridsen Skatepark project taking shape in Downtown DSM is seen as another important component to the Downtown plans.
“We are thankful to the Greater Des Moines Committee for their commitment to this project and willingness to dream big,” said Rick Tollakson, President and CEO of Hubbell Realty Company and Chair of the MPO’s Water Trails Steering Committee. “This project has the potential to help our region attract and retain talent, add to our region’s economic development efforts, enhance water quality efforts and draw visitors from across the country and world.”
Results for an engineering study for the multi-year plan will be released next week. An economic impact study is expected to be complete this summer and a funding feasibility study is expected to be complete in the fall.
About the Greater Des Moines Committee
The Greater Des Moines Committee was formed in 1907 by a group of 30 local business leaders. Today, the Committee consists of 120 members and provides an opportunity for business leaders to come together for an information exchange about important topics in the community, the state and the nation. The Committee founded the Iowa Business Hall of Fame in 1975 to honor the achievements of Iowans who have made outstanding contributions to the development and enhancement of Iowa’s business climate.
The Greater Des Moines Committee’s purpose is to encourage, promote, develop and protect commercial, manufacturing and other business interests of Greater Des Moines (DSM) and the state of Iowa. The Committee is comprised of CEO’s, or in the case of professional firms, the senior managing partner of DSM companies that have a vested interest in the growth and development of our community and state.
About Capital Crossroads
Capital Crossroads is a bold but achievable vision pushing Central Iowans to dream big, not settle for good enough, think long term and work together. Capital Crossroads brings together community volunteers to meet the challenges of the future while building on our past successes. It is in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Polk County, Prairie Meadows, and the United Way of Central Iowa.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 330 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.
About the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) acts as a regional forum to ensure coordination between the public and local, state, and federal agencies in regard to planning issues and to prepare transportation plans and programs. The MPO develops both long- and short-range multimodal transportation plans, selects and approves projects for federal funding based upon regional priorities, and develops methods to reduce traffic congestion.
About the Great Outdoors Foundation
The Great Outdoors Foundation’s mission is to provide high quality, healthy living for Greater Polk County through expanded open space, restored landscapes, greater recreation and outdoor education opportunities.