Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Fort Madison Seeking Public Input

Fort Madison residents have several opportunities to weigh in on a proposed infrastructure improvement program.

The city council is considering a plan to borrow $6-million to rebuild streets and upgrade several parks.

City Manager Byron Smith says the time is right for such a large project because interest rates are down and contractors are looking for jobs.

He says the proposal calls for Fort Madison to rebuild about five miles of streets, which could mean more than 25 blocks.

Smith says some examples would be portions of 15th and 24th Streets, which have been identified as being in serious need of repair in Fort Madison’s 5-year capital improvement plan.

The key to the program moving forward, though, appears to be public input.

The first of three informational meetings will be held Thursday, Nov. 1 at 6:30 P.M. at Fort Madison Bank & Trust.

Smith says the city is looking for feedback on whether the money should be borrowed and ideas for potential projects.

He says that would be especially helpful when it comes to parks improvements as there are no targeted projects at this point.

Smith says Fort Madison’s property tax rate would likely increase if the money is borrowed.

The other meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov.7 at 6:30 P.M. at Richardson School and Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 P.M. at Rolling Hall (2210 Ave. I).