CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (May 26, 2023) — State Auditor Rob Sand accompanied Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and a bi-partisan group of elected officials on a Thursday, May 25 tour of a large-scale modernization project at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. The project is funded in part by a $20 million grant made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“As a mostly rural state, Iowa’s airports are a hub for people who travel for personal reasons or for business,” said Auditor Sand. “It’s great to have investment coming into our state and to have a midwestern guy from a small town sitting in cabinet meetings to make sure we get what we need.”

In addition to thanking Sec Buttigieg, Auditor Sand commended Senator Charles “Chuck” Grassley, the only Republican member of Iowa’s congressional delegation to vote in favor of the infrastructure bill, and former Representative Cindy Axne for working across the aisle to pass the measure.

“It was harder for Sen Grassley because he had to work with a Democratic President to make it happen,” said Auditor Sand. “Iowans should be grateful any time Republicans and Democrats can come together to get things done.”

As of May 2023, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided nearly $89 million for the modernization of Iowa airports. The improvements help the state become more economically competitive, create better access for people with disabilities, and enhance the overall travel experience.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is also funding rural water-system upgrades, high-speed internet expansion, and a program to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models.

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