The Ames City Council unanimously passed the “Iowans Helping Iowans” flood recovery assistance program in its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 31.

The “Iowans Helping Iowans” program helps write loans to home and business owners to buy new property or renovate property that has suffered damage in the recent flooding.

Loans written under the program are available to residents registered with the Federal Emergency Managment Agency and will be written for a five-year term with a 20 percent interest rate.

Long Range Transportation Plan

A special meeting of the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization convened after the main meeting.

The vision for the LRTP is to address concerns voiced by the public in a series of meetings. Projects presented in the draft plan are developed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

One of the major changes from the last plan in 2005 was an increase in concern over bike lanes to city transportation.

The MPO discussed placing ‘Sharrows’, or shared lane markings on lanes of 35 mph or less.

‘Sharrows’ are purported to be a way to add bicycle capacity to areas lacking space for adding a bike lane. They would also alert motorists to the presence of bicyclists.

Improving bicycle and pedestrian safety at intersections also was discussed, such as adding pedestrian signals and improving bicycle detection.

Other projects suggested by the MPO were examined by means of the goals set by the MPO for the city’s transit plan allowing $110 million for roadway and bicycle/pedestrian projects for the coming 25 years. Expenditures considered under the new plan will be projected forward to the year of expenditure for greater accuracy in predicting realistic use for the city’s transportation resources.

Roundabout

In relation to the LRPT, a study is planned to examine the feasibility of widening out Mortensen Road and adding a roundabout at State Avenue and Mortensen Road.

Jeremy Davis, third ward alderman, voiced concern over a student population in the area of the proposed roundabout and possible lack of understanding of the roundabout concept for that population.

A member of the planning commission said roundabouts are generally more effective and will also reduce accidents. Some education on the roundabout process also would be planned. Peter Orazem, at-large alderman, voiced concern for pedestrians in the area of the proposed roundabout as well.

Many of the more expensive projects for the transportation plan are intended to be considered for a great deal of time and constructed later with an eye toward the long term, if they are decided to be constructed at all.