Special to the Times Vedette
In 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation will award up to $350 million in Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) grants to support critical infrastructure projects across the country. CHBP is a nationally competitive grant program that provides funding for transportation bridge infrastructure.
The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), in partnership with 20-plus counties and cities, is applying to receive funding to rebuild 32 bridges in poor condition across the state. One structure identified for this funding is the South Street bridge in Panora that spans the Middle Raccoon River by Lenon Mill Park. This bridge is more than 60 years old and is in need of a full replacement to improve safety, secure the connection between Panora, rural residents and recreational traffic, provide easier access for agricultural-related movement, and allow for more sustainable economic growth for both the city and the county.
Administrators and elected officials for the City of Panora and Guthrie County are asking residents to tell the Iowa DOT how they use the bridge and provide their thoughts on a potentially wider, safer structure that can carry heavier loads. The survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.