62nd Annual
Siouxland / Washington
Conference
April 13 & 14, 2016
Iowa
Nebraska
South Dakota
Iowa, Nebraska, & South Dakota
Siouxland Returns to the Top!
Ranks First in the Nation for Economic Development
For the fifth time in the last decade, the Siouxland Metro ranks
first in the nation for economic development by Site Selection
magazine. The region also earned top billing in back-to-back years
in 2007 and 2008, as well as in 2012 and 2013. The Siouxland
metro ranked second both in 2009 and 2014 and finished third in
2006. The region has ranked in the top three nationally in its
population category in a remarkable eight of the last ten years.
New Non-Stop Service from SUX to DFW
In January 2016, American Airlines announced they will add service out
of Sioux Gateway Airport/Col. Bud Day Field to their hub in Dallas/Ft.
Worth International Airport. The service begins on May 5, 2016.
American’s service will be operated by its American Eagle regional
partners using 50-seat ERJ 145 jets.
Sioux Point 211
Dakota Dunes, South Dakota
Sioux Point 211, a $1.8 million investment, is the latest addition to
the growing number of multi-tenant professional buildings in
Dakota Dunes. The 12,700 sq. ft. modern style building is home to
Bill Markve and AssocDiaaktoetsa, DOunneesP, SsoyucthhiaDtarkyo,taand the Midwest Pain
Clinic.
BoDeans Baking Group
Le Mars, Iowa
BoDeans Baking Group, a worldwide leader in ice cream cone,
wafer and inclusions manufacturing, continued the company’s
noteworthy growth. The 60,000 sq. ft. expansion will be a $4.1
million investment.
Wells Enterprises
Le Mars, Iowa
Wells Enterprises, the world’s largest family owned and managed ice
cream producer, announced a $20 million expansion in Le Mars. The
expansion is anticipated to create approximately 19 jobs.
Dakota Valley School District
North Sioux City, South Dakota
The Dakota Valley School District began construction on a new $27 million
high school campus. The new campus is expected to be completed by
August 2016, to be open for the new school year. Over the last 20 years,
the Dakota Valley School District has grown from 565 students to 1286
students.
Lawrence & Schiller TeleServices
North Sioux City, South Dakota
Lawrence & Schiller TeleServices started operating in North Sioux City
using 4,000 sq. ft. of space on the former Gateway Campus. This call
center will provide between 50 and 100 jobs for the Siouxland area
within 2 years. Lawrence & Schiller specializes in customer service and
technical support for a variety of customers.
Dogwood Trail RISE Project and Development
Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
The City of Sergeant Bluff has acquired funding to construct Dogwood Trail
roadway and utility improvements on the south edge of town. The project,
estimated at $3 million, allows for a new farm-to-market route away from
the schools’ campus and for a new light manufacturing development corridor
for the city. The roadway project will open up approximately 117.5 acres of
development. The zoning has accommodated for light manufacturing
businesses specializing in technology. Construction of roadway and
municipal utilities are being completed in Spring 2016. The City is seeking
Certified Site designation from the Iowa Economic Development Authority
for the property. This designation will allow for attention from site selectors
across the country. The City is currently working on its first light
manufacturing business for the site, with hopes to break ground in June.
2016.
Maupin Pines Senior Living Development
Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
In 2015, the City of Sergeant Bluff signed a development agreement for a
new 21 unit townhouse development for 55+ (senior) living. The project,
located on 3.86 acres, will help to serve housing needs for the city’s aging
community. The new development is located adjacent to the schools’
campus and is expected to provide mentoring opportunities once
established. In 2015 two units were built, with building permits for 5
additional units in 2016. This project has a $3.5 million valuation impact on
the community and also provides opportunities for older single-family homes
to open up for first-time home buyers and other workforce housing in town.
Ultimate Fitness
Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
Ultimate Fitness chose Sergeant Bluff to add another center in the
Siouxland area. The project was developed and constructed in
2015. The facility brings an estimated 3 FTE jobs and $250,000 of
tax valuation to the community. The project serves the
community’s growing residential population.
American Natural Processors
Sioux City, Iowa
The company announced plans to expand their specialty organic and
non-genetically modified protein manufacturing business to the former
224,000 sq. ft. Sioux Tools plant at 2901 Floyd Blvd. The plant crafts
organic oilseeds into meals, flours and oils, without the use of chemicals
or preservatives.
Braunger Foods Expansion
Sioux City, Iowa
Long-time Sioux City food distribution company, Braunger Foods,
announced plans to expand operations by purchasing the former Sabre
Industries’ building and 16 acres of adjacent land with a $4.3 million
investment.
Consumers Supply Distributing
Sioux City, Iowa
The wholesale distributor of agricultural and animal nutrition
products began construction on a 50,000 sq. ft. expansion to the
former USPS facility in Bridgeport Industrial Park, increasing their
minimum assessment by $2.8 million to a total of $4.8 million.
Curly’s Foods
Sioux City, Iowa
Meat processor, Curly’s Foods, announced a $9 million expansion that will
add 30 new employees to their facility in the Yards I-29 Business Park.
Curly’s produces a wide variety of cooked meats for many national
restaurants and grocery stores.
FedEx
Sioux City, Iowa
The express delivery provider announced a 10,000 sq. ft. expansion of
their facility in Bridgeport Industrial Park with a total investment of
$2.6 million.
Growing a Skilled Workforce
Sioux City, Iowa
Governor Branstad named Sioux City a Skilled Iowa Community in
October 2015 as the city met required metrics for both business
commitments and workforce certifications.
I-29 Reconstruction
Sioux City, Iowa
Work continued on the $400 million reconstruction project expanding
the 13-mile stretch through Sioux City to six lanes.
LaunchPAD Children’s Museum
Sioux City, Iowa
Construction continued on the $7 million LaunchPAD Children’s
Museum in the Historic Pearl District of downtown Sioux City
with a grand opening in February 2016. The immersive learning
environment geared towards children ages 6 months to 10
years provides hands-on exhibits emphasizing STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math) principles and reflects the
history and heritage of region.
Mercy Medical Center
Sioux City, Iowa
A $14 million modernization of Mercy Medical Center’s
Intensive Care Unit was completed in downtown Sioux
City. The investment included a renovation of the existing
21,000 sq. ft. and an 8,000 sq. ft. addition. The hospital
serves more than 1,700 critical patients in its ICU
annually.
Miracle Field
Sioux City, Iowa
A new ballpark, Miracle League Field, dedicated to provide
opportunities for children with special needs was completed along with
a new playground and restrooms near Riverside Park.
Seaboard Triumph Foods
Sioux City, Iowa
Seaboard Foods and Triumph Foods announced a new joint
venture to construct a $264 million state-of-the-art pork
processing facility in Bridgeport West Industrial Park bringing
1,100 new jobs. Construction began in fall of 2015 and is
anticipated for completion in 2017.
Southbridge Rail Yard
Sioux City, Iowa
Construction was completed on a new $7 million drop and pull rail yard
in 2015 supporting additional industrial growth. It is currently being
actively marketed to potential heavy industrial users who may locate on
adjacent property.
Spec Building
Sioux City, Iowa
A new 50,000 sq. ft. speculative building was completed on a 4.78 acre
site located next to the new $264 million Seaboard Triumph Foods
plant. The shell building was constructed with minimal finishes to allow
for maximum flexibility in the location of mechanical systems, electric
service, plumbing and doors.
Sunnybrook Village
Sioux City, Iowa
Plans for Sunnybrook Village, a new 64-acre mixed use commercial,
office and residential development, were announced for the fast-
growing Sunnybrook retail area. Located to the east of UnityPoint
Health’s Sunnybrook Medical Plaza, construction began on The Summit
at Sunnybrook residential complex which will add 225 market-rate
apartments to the area.
Virginia Square
Sioux City, Iowa
Construction began on the renovation of two, multi-story warehouse
buildings to office and commercial uses on the lower floors and loft
apartments and condominiums on the upper levels. The $24 million
private redevelopment project of Ho-Chunk, Inc. known as “Virginia
Square” is located along Virginia Street, positioned at the new primary
entrance into downtown following the reconstruction of I-29.
Big Ox Energy
South Sioux City, Nebraska
Big Ox Energy, a Denmark, Wisconsin-based firm, broke ground at Roth
Industrial Park on a $30 million plant that will take organic waste from
industrial plants and turn it into methane. Big Ox’s technology includes
an anaerobic digestion process that extracts organic waste nutrients to
create methane. The clean burning fuel is then sold into a natural gas
pipeline for customer use. Big Ox plans to have the plant operating this
summer and will employee 30 people.
Flatwater Crossing
South Sioux City, Nebraska
Flatwater Crossing is a master planned community located along the
Missouri River in South Sioux City, Nebraska. This walkable urban
neighborhood will offer residents a vibrant community intertwined with
a network of trails, greenways, public plazas, natural landscaping,
wildlife, and breathtaking river views. The 200 acre multi-million dollar
housing development envisioned for South Sioux City will be underway
this summer along with a $5.5 million street extension.
K & B Transportation
South Sioux City, Nebraska
K & B Transportation corporate headquarters are located in South Sioux
City, Nebraska, and reaches out to serve customers all over the United
States. The company broke ground on a $1.65 million expansion of a new
Education Building for educating and training truck drivers on their campus.
The new building is nearing completion and will be in operation this
summer, allowing more truck drivers to be trained and hired at this site.
McArthur Sheet Metal
South Sioux City, Nebraska
McArthur Sheet Metal has broken ground on an expansion at
their 9th Street location in South Sioux City. The investment of
$850,000 and the 60’ x 100’ expansion will allow the machine
and metal fabrication company to add a few more employees
when the expansion is completed in 2016.
Omega Industries
South Sioux City, Nebraska
Omega Industries announced in 2015 their third expansion in less than
three years at their site at Roth Industrial Park. The private family
owned and operated company has been in the manufacturing business
for over thirty years. This 11,000 sq. ft. addition allowed for the
company to hire 30 additional employees to help with the increased
demand of constructing rail road crossings.
Solar City
South Sioux City, Nebraska
South Sioux City has taken numerous steps to save energy and become
a “green” community. In 2015, Solar City purchased 21 acres to build a
solar farm, a multi-million dollar investment. After its completion in
2016, this will be the largest solar farm in the state of Nebraska.
Conference Headquarters: Cell Phone Numbers:
The Liaison Hotel Barbara Sloniker
415 New Jersey Ave., NW 712.490.3278
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202.638.1616 Teresa Rosenboom
Fax: 202.347.1813 712.251.4103
#swac62
2016 CONFERENCE AGENDA
For your information – Charlie Stone & Justin Barker, KSCJ Radio, will be
broadcasting live on Monday, April 11, through Thursday, April 14, from
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (EST) at FAIR, 25 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
7:30 a.m. Kick-Off Breakfast with Representative Steve King (R-IA)
Location: Capitol Hill Club – 300 First Street, S.E.
Moderator: Darrell Jesse
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken & Lesley Bartholomew
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Funding Cuts / Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts & U.S. Highway 20 &
Nebraska 35 – Jill Wanderscheid
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Paul Gausman, Araceli Lopez
& Hannah Rens
Siouxland’s Public & Not-For-Profit Higher Education Priorities – Terry Murrell
185th Air Refueling Wing Ready for Next Generation Mid-Air Refueling Tanker – Chris McGowan
Interstate 29 Reconstruction Project / Hoeven Valley Transportation Improvements / Southbridge
Business Park – Jeff Hanson
Health Care Providers Priorities – Dave Smetter
EPA’s Waters of the United States Rule & Water Quality Issues – Rosemary O’Brien
Tax Policies for Growth & A Better Economy – Lance Ehmcke
9:15 a.m. Photo with Representative Steve King
Location: Capitol steps, House side
10:00 a.m. Principles & Priorities Interactive Exercise
Location: Room 2200 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Moderator: Lance Ehmcke
Speaker: Phil LaRue, Director of Government Relations, The Concord Coalition
Principles & Priorities is an interactive exercise in which participants learn how difficult it is to
balance the federal budget. By considering issues such as federal spending priorities, tax policy,
and entitlement reform, participants gain firsthand experience addressing the difficult issues
facing policymakers in today's fiscal environment.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016 continued…
11:30 a.m. Room 2200 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Location:
Moderator:
Issue(s):
12:00 p.m. Lunch on your own
Union Station – 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Bull Feathers of Capitol Hill – 410 First Street, SE
The Monocle – 107 D. St., NE
Dirksen North Servery – Dirksen Building Basement, NW Corner
Dirksen South Buffet – Dirksen Building Basement, South Side
Cannon Café, Cannon B-114
Longworth Café – Longworth B-223
Rayburn Café – Rayburn B-357
Rayburn Deli – Rayburn B-236
1:30 p.m. Denise Fleming, Sr. Legislative Assistant,
Rep. Brad Ashford’s Office (D-NE)
Location: Room 2456 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Moderator: Lance Hedquist
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Funding Cuts / Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Lance Hedquist
U.S. Highway 20 & Nebraska 35 – Lance Hedquist
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Paul Gausman
2:00 p.m. Dakota L. Wood, Senior Research Fellow for Defense Programs, The
Location: Heritage Foundation
Moderator: Room 2456 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Brian Crichton
2:30 p.m. Representative Dave Loebsack (D-IA)
Location: Room 2456 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Moderator: Jackie Smith
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Funding Cuts / Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Jill Wanderscheid
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Terry Murrell
Siouxland’s Public & Not-For-Profit Higher Education Priorities – Mike Stiles & Stephen Huber
Wednesday, April 13, 2016 continued…
3:00 p.m. Mark Mitsui, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community
Location: Colleges in the Office of Career, Technical & Adult
Moderator:
Education (OCTAE), U.S. Department of Education
Room 2456 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Terry Murrell & Pam Miller
4:00 p.m. Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD)
Location: Room 2456 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Moderator: Tammy Reiff
Issues(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken & Tim Brown
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Jeff Dooley
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Paul Gausman
Essential Air Service Program – Brian Crichton
4:30 p.m. Representative Rod Blum (R-IA)
Location: Room 2456 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Moderator: Linda Kalin
Issues(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Funding Cuts / Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Jill Wanderscheid
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Paul Gausman
Siouxland’s Public & Not-For-Profit Higher Education Priorities – Mike Stiles & Michaela
Goergen
5:30 p.m. - Steak Reception
7:00 p.m.
Location: Room 902 – Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Moderator: Darrell Jesse
Thursday, April 14, 2016
8:00 a.m. Breakfast with Admiral James A. “Sandy” Winnefeld, Jr., Former Vice
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff & Mary Winnefeld, Ship’s Sponsor
Location:
Moderator: for USS Sioux City (LCS 11)
Room 2226 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Chris McGowan
9:30 a.m. Jon Baselice, Director, Immigration Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Location: Room 2226 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Moderator:
Issue(s): Jeremy Taylor
Immigration
Thursday, April 14, 2016 continued…
10:00 a.m. Representative David Young (R-IA)
Location: Room 2226 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Moderator: Matthew Ung
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Funding Cuts / Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Jill Wanderscheid
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Paul Gausman, Araceli Lopez
& Hannah Rens
Tax Policies for Growth & A Better Economy – Lance Ehmcke
10:30 a.m. Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Location: Room 2226 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Moderator: Lance Hedquist
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken & Mark Zimmerer
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Paul Gausman
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Funding Cuts / Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Lance Hedquist
U.S. Highway 20 & Nebraska 35 – Lance Hedquist
11:00 a.m. James (Jim) Dinneen, Acting Assistant Secretary, Private
Sector Office, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Location: Room 2226 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Moderator:
Brian Crichton
11:30 a.m. Representative Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE)
Location: Room 2226 – Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Moderator: Lance Hedquist
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken & Mark Zimmerer
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Pam Miller
Siouxland’s Public & Not-For-Profit Higher Education Priorities – Pam Miller & Garrett Thomas
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Funding Cuts / Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Lance Hedquist
U.S. Highway 20 & Nebraska 35 – Lance Hedquist
Essential Air Service Program – Brian Crichton
12:00 p.m. Lunch on your own
1:00 p.m. Chris Lucas, Legislative Counsel, Senator Mike Rounds’ Office (R-SD)
Location: Room G11 – Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
Moderator: Lesa Cropley
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken & Tim Brown
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Jeff Dooley
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Paul Gausman
Essential Air Service Program – Brian Crichton
EPA’s Waters of the United States Rule & Water Quality Issues – Alicia Meads
Thursday, April 14, 2016 continued…
1:30 p.m. Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA)
Location: Room G11 – Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
Moderator: Linda Kalin
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken & Lesley Bartholomew
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Funding Cuts / Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts & U.S. Highway 20
and Nebraska 35 – Jill Wanderscheid
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Paul Gausman, Araceli Lopez
& Hannah Rens
Siouxland’s Public & Not-For-Profit Higher Education Priorities – Mike Stiles & Kara Bentz
185th Air Refueling Wing Ready for Next Generation Mid-Air Refueling Tanker – Col. Larry
Christensen
Interstate 29 Reconstruction Project / Hoeven Valley Transportation Improvements / Southbridge
Business Park – Jeff Hanson
Health Care Providers Priorities – Dave Smetter
EPA’s Waters of the United States Rule & Water Quality Issues – Alicia Meads
2:00 p.m. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Location: Room G11 – Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
Moderator: Mike Stiles
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken & Lesley Bartholomew
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Funding Cuts / Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Jill Wanderscheid
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Paul Gausman, Araceli Lopez
& Hannah Rens
Siouxland’s Public & Not-For-Profit Higher Education Priorities – Terry Murrell & Josh Doering
185th Air Refueling Wing Ready for Next Generation Mid-Air Refueling Tanker – Col. Larry
Christensen
Interstate 29 Reconstruction Project / Hoeven Valley Transportation Improvements / Southbridge
Business Park – Jeff Hanson
Health Care Providers Priorities – Jim Gobell
EPA’s Waters of the United States Rule & Water Quality Issues – Alicia Meads
2:30 p.m. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE)
Location: Room G11 – Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
Moderator: Lance Hedquist
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken & Mark Zimmerer
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Pam Miller
Siouxland’s Public & Not-For-Profit Higher Education Priorities – Pam Miller
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Funding Cuts / Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Lance Hedquist
U.S. Highway 20 & Nebraska 35 – Lance Hedquist
Essential Air Service Program – Brian Crichton
EPA’s Waters of the United States Rule & Water Quality Issues – Alicia Meads
Thursday, April 14, 2016 continued…
3:00 p.m. Senator John Thune (R-SD)
Location: Room G11 – Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
Moderator: Lesa Cropley
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken & Tim Brown
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Jeff Dooley
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Paul Gausman
Essential Air Service Program – Brian Crichton
EPA’s Waters of the United States Rule & Water Quality Issues – Alicia Meads
3:30 p.m. Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)
Location: Room G11 – Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
Moderator: Lance Hedquist
Issue(s):
Workforce Recruitment – Kory Menken & Mark Zimmerer
Workforce Development Through Career & Technical Education – Pam Miller
Siouxland’s Public & Not-For-Profit Higher Education Priorities – Pam Miller
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Funding Cuts / Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Funding Cuts – Lance Hedquist
U.S. Highway 20 & Nebraska 35 – Lance Hedquist
A Special Thank You to…
MidAmerican Energy Company for sponsoring the Thursday morning breakfast
American Eagle Airlines, the official airline of the 62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
Table of Contents
Community Priority Position Papers
WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT................................................................................................... 1
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) & HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME) FUNDING CUTS .................................................... 3
SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER FUNDING CUTS......................................... 4
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION ...... 6
Community Priority position papers have been determined by the
Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
to have widespread community support. These position papers
are listed alphabetically, not in order of priority.
Updates and Other Position Papers
185th AIR REFUELING WING (ARW) READY FOR NEXT GENERATION
MID-AIR REFUELING TANKER................................................................................................... 7
EPA’S WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES RULE & WATER QUALITY ISSUES....................... 8
ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE PROGRAM..................................................................................... 10
FEDERAL DEFICIT REDUCTION.............................................................................................. 12
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS PRIORITIES ............................................................................... 13
IMMIGRATION REFORM........................................................................................................... 15
REAUTHORIZATION OF THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA) 16
SIOUXLAND’S PUBLIC & NOT-FOR-PROFIT HIGHER EDUCATION PRIORITIES ................ 17
TAX POLICIES FOR GROWTH & A BETTER ECONOMY ........................................................ 18
U.S. HIGHWAY 20 & NEBRASKA HIGHWAY 35 ....................................................................... 19
Ongoing Initiatives
HOEVEN VALLEY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS ...................................................... 22
INTERSTATE 29 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT.................................................................... 23
SOUTHBRIDGE BUSINESS PARK ........................................................................................... 24
Updates, other position papers, and ongoing initiatives provide updates on prior
projects and introduce new ideas proposed by authors. These position papers
are listed alphabetically, not in order of priority.
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT
ISSUE
Within the past several years, many new businesses and industries have relocated or expanded in the
Siouxland area. This influx of economic development activity has had an extremely positive impact on
the overall economic health of our area. However, it has also placed a strain on the local labor market.
In order for our area to maintain the unprecedented economic growth that we have experienced, it is
imperative that we both grow and train our local labor force.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
In an effort to proactively confront the workforce issues in the tri-state area, The Siouxland Initiative (TSI)
created the position of Director of Workforce Solutions in August 2015. The Director of Workforce Solutions
has been working closely with state and local governments, educational institutions, local businesses, and
other strategic partners to identify and address the challenges facing our region.
We acknowledge that a shortage in available workforce is not unique to the Siouxland area, and recognize
the important role the federal government must play in responding to this issue. Thus, we would urge our
tri-state Congressional delegation to not only build upon existing workforce development initiatives, but to
encourage the appropriate federal agencies to support and actively participate in our region’s workforce
development efforts.
BACKGROUND
The unemployment rate in the Sioux City metro area has been averaging approximately 3.5% since
April 2015. In comparison, the national unemployment rate is at 5% and some areas of our nation are
experiencing rates as high as 9%. Labor economists describe full employment as the condition when
unemployment is in the low 5% range.
This condition has been compounded by the $2 billion CF Industries’ expansion in Port Neal, and will be
further impacted by the arrival of the 600,000 sq. ft. Seaboard Triumph Foods pork plant in Sioux City.
Employment at the pork plant is expected to ramp up gradually, starting with a single shift of approximately
1,100 salaried and hourly employees in mid-2017.
Although this situation could be described as a “nice problem to have,” it still presents our region with a
significant challenge. In order to maintain a pattern of economic growth, it is vital that we both grow and
train our local labor force.
The new Director of Workforce Solutions has been tasked with working closely with key stakeholder groups
(business community, education, public sector, media and labor) to address the workforce shortage in the
greater Sioux City metro area.
Following an extensive research and intake process, several community challenges and opportunities
were identified, including:
• The workforce shortage is impacting a wide variety of industries and businesses within the Siouxland
region. However, two areas of particular concern are skilled labor and degreed young professionals.
• As a society we need to do more to encourage young people to pursue in-demand skilled labor
professions (welders, electricians, machinists, nurses, advanced mechanics, etc.), and to overcome
the perception that every high school graduate is benefited by attending a four-year educational
institution. According to recent reports, over 40% of full-time four-year college students fail to earn a
bachelor’s degree within six years.
1
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
• The Siouxland region is fortunate to be home to a variety of higher education institutions, including
private colleges, state universities and technical/community colleges. These institutions are able to
customize their curriculums to meet the needs of the business community, and are vital partners in
the continued education of the existing Siouxland workforce. The reskilling and upskilling of today’s
workers in order to adapt to technological advances is crucial.
• Quality of life plays a major role in the recruitment and retention of young professionals. There is a
wealth of research that supports the concept that such workers are looking for creative, culturally-
vibrant communities.
• The Siouxland area is experiencing a shortage in housing, both in the multi-family and single-family
markets. Having a broad variety of available residential options is key to workforce recruitment efforts.
• A shortage in available workforce is not unique to the Siouxland area. As early as 2003, the Bureau
of Labor Statistics projected that there would be a national labor shortage of over ten million people by
2010. As a result of this “national crisis,” all three of the respective Siouxland states (Iowa, Nebraska,
South Dakota) have implemented workforce development initiatives. These initiatives will be critical
components of our regional workforce development efforts.
Over the past several months, task force committees comprised of the key stakeholder groups have been
working diligently to formulate a comprehensive workforce solutions strategy including both internal and
external components. This strategy will include:
• Collaborating with our educational partners on programs to guide students from high school into
occupational programs that will help meet the workforce needs of our business community
• Partnering with local communities to address issues that could potentially impede workforce recruitment
and retention efforts (transportation, affordable and available housing, amenities, recreational
opportunities, etc.) and to build upon existing quality-of-life attributes
• Identifying synergies and developing partnerships with state and federal agencies in an effort to
educate the Siouxland business community on existing workforce development programs
• Partnering with higher education to retain recent college graduates, as well as promote workforce
training opportunities to local employers
• Creating a blueprint to attract outside talent to our area
As articulated by the Sioux City Journal Editorial Board on August 16, 2015, “the Siouxland metro region
is strong and, largely, moving in the right direction. It is a good time to live and work here.” Recruiting and
retaining a skilled workforce will be critical to continuing this forward progress.
AUTHOR(S)
Kory Menken, Director of Workforce Solutions, The Siouxland Initiative,
[email protected], 712.255.7903
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) & HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME) FUNDING CUTS
ISSUE
The City of Sioux City is a recipient of United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) Entitlement funds and currently receives allocations from the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
programs. Sioux City is the lead agency within the Sioux City Consortium (which also includes South
Sioux City, NE and Dakota City, NE), which is a recipient of HOME funds. Since fiscal year 2010, the
Sioux City Consortium’s HOME allocation has decreased by approximately 35%. In addition, Sioux City
has seen a 28% decrease in CDBG funds since 2010.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
The Sioux City Consortium requests support to restore the funding of the HOME program to the 2010
level. The significant reductions in HOME funding has had a detrimental effect with regard to creating and
maintaining affordable housing in the Siouxland area. Restoring the funding level of HOME to the 2010
level would allow for additional safe and affordable housing units to be available to hundreds of families in
Sioux City and South Sioux City, Nebraska.
In addition, the City of Sioux City requests support to restore the funding of the CDBG program to the
2010 level. CDBG is critical to providing funding for public improvements, public services, economic
development, and affordable housing. CDBG provides the City of Sioux City with the flexibility needed to
develop essential programs and projects to assist low income individuals and families.
BACKGROUND
The HOME Investment Partnership Program has been active within the Sioux City Consortium
since 1995. Since then, HOME has funded down payment assistance programs, the construction of
new rental units, the construction of new owner-occupied units, Tenant Based Rental Assistance
(TBRA), and a security deposit assistance program. In the last ten years, approximately $4 million
in HOME funds has been invested into the creation of 2,649 units of affordable housing in Sioux City.
If the level of cuts to HOME continue, the ability to create affordable housing units in our community would
be greatly diminished. Sioux City has recently seen an increased need with regard to affordable housing
due to recent economic development success in the area. HOME is a vital resource in the creation of
desperately needed housing units.
The City of Sioux City has administered a successful CDBG program since 1974. Over the last 40+ years,
thousands of families have received assistance through housing rehabilitation programs. In addition to
serving the low income population, funds specifically target the elderly and disabled. These programs
truly make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. In addition, the housing investment ensures
that the units will be maintained and will be available for future generations of people who choose to live
and work in Sioux City. Further cuts to CDBG would be devastating to the City of Sioux City. If a flawed
formula from a study that did not consider all potential costs found that the overwhelming majority of Public
Housing Authorities (PHAs) were underfunded, then clearly the current levels of administrative fee funding
are not acceptable. These low levels of funding have forced PHAs to lay off staff, enact hiring freezes, and
impose furloughs, resulting in increased caseload sizes and straining PHAs’ ability to remain in compliance
with the myriad HUD regulations. These low funding levels also have consequences for the low-income
families the voucher program serves, including a reduction in the level of services provided to participants.
AUTHOR(S)
Jill M. Wanderscheid, Neighborhood Services Manager, City of Sioux City, IA, [email protected],
712.224.5136
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER FUNDING CUTS
ISSUE
The City of Sioux City is a recipient of United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) funds for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Administrative fees to operate the
program continue to be insufficient to operate the program. With unemployment levels hovering around
3.5%, housing becomes a critical factor in recruiting a skilled workforce.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
The Sioux City Housing Authority requests support to adequately fund Section 8 administrative fees by
restoring the proration to 100% and streamlining the time-intensive details and administrative burdens of
the voucher program. The downward spiral of the administrative fees needs to be stopped and brought
back to appropriate levels to effectively manage the administratively-intense Section 8 Housing Choice
Voucher Program.
BACKGROUND
HUD’s Section 8 programs help to form the backbone of HUD’s housing assistance programs. They are an
essential component in helping to provide low-income American families with access to affordable housing.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, the largest program in the Section 8 family of programs, provides
rental assistance to nearly 2.2 million low-income families to rent privately-owned units in the location of
their choosing. In addition to the large number of people served, the Housing Choice Voucher program
also serves a wide variety of program participants including families, seniors, persons with disabilities,
households displaced by disasters, homeless veterans, and children aging out of the foster care system.
Both the size of the program and the diverse populations that the program serves make it critical that
Congress highly prioritize the Housing Choice Voucher Program when making funding decisions.
Funding for the Housing Choice Voucher Program is appropriated through two accounts. In addition to
the pass-through grants that Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) send to landlords on behalf of program
participants (known as Housing Assistance Payments), Congress also funds an account for administrative
fees to support the operations of the program. Essentially, HUD reimburses PHAs for the costs of
administering the program for each family under lease. While Congress has provided adequate funding
for the vouchers themselves in recent years (in FY 2016 Congress fully funded this Housing Assistance
Payments Account), the administrative fee funding to reimburse PHAs for the costs they have incurred has
fallen to dangerously inadequate levels.
There is empirical evidence showing that the administrative fee is funded at a much too low level. In the
summer of 2015, HUD published the Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Fee Study. The
study measured the costs of running an efficient Housing Choice Voucher Program and then proposed a
new administrative fee formula. While the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
(NAHRO) believes that there are flaws in the study that led to a formula that undervalues the true cost of
running a Housing Choice Voucher Program, even this study that undervalues the true cost of running a
voucher program found that Congress underfunded the administrative fee during the study period. The
study found that 92% of PHAs were underfunded during the study period of July 1, 2013 through June 30,
2014.
If a flawed formula from a study that did not consider all potential costs found that the overwhelming
majority of PHAs were underfunded, then clearly the current levels of administrative fee funding are not
acceptable. These low levels of funding have forced PHAs to lay off staff, enact hiring freezes, and impose
furloughs, resulting in increased caseload sizes and straining PHAs’ ability to remain in compliance with
the myriad of HUD regulations. These low funding levels also have consequences for the low-income
families the voucher program serves, including a reduction in the level of services provided to participants.
In 2015, Sioux City Housing Authority reduced staffing levels by one full-time position, and caseloads
increased 33%.
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
The Sioux City Housing Authority serves approximately 1,200 families in Sioux City under the Section 8
Housing Choice Voucher Program with an annual budget of approximately $5 million. Housing assistance
payments to landlords participating in the rental assistance program alone add about $355,000 to the local
economy every month. Ongoing reductions in administrative fees below the 100% proration will adversely
impact the City of Sioux City’s staff in administration of the Section 8 Program. We will find it necessary
to reduce additional critical staff that carry out program activities and keep Sioux City in compliance with
all applicable laws and regulations, and citizen and participation requirements. Shortfalls in administrative
fee funding can lead to staff reductions that negatively impact the ability of families to utilize the Section
8 Program. Reductions in staffing will not allow us to respond appropriately to the need. The cost of
administering the Section 8 Program has been on the rise, with contributing factors including higher
postage and employee health care costs. In every year since 2004, Congress has provided administrative
fees that were at least 6% lower than the 2003 rate. 9%, or 4 out of 44, PHAs in Iowa have transferred their
vouchers to another entity because they can no longer afford to administer the program.
The City of Sioux City is a member of the Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Housing and
Redevelopment Officials (INAHRO). INAHRO supports measures to streamline the operating environment
in which PHAs operate. Until such time as adequate funding is restored, PHAs should not be held to
unattainable standards. Section 8 Management Assessment Program scores should be made advisory
to reflect the imbalance between resources and requirements. It is important to note that Veterans Affairs
Supportive Housing (VASH) Program is a highly staff-intensive program that serves homeless veterans
and receives the same administrative fees to meet the regulatory intensive demands. If prorations continue
to be required, relief of some of the numerous administrative duties needs to come quickly. Section 8
programs must be reformed now, especially with funding reductions as drastic and severe as we have
witnessed.
AUTHOR(S)
Amy Tooley, Housing Services Division Manager, City of Sioux City, IA, [email protected],
712.279.6980
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
ISSUE
Thirteen million students are enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs in nearly 13,000 public
high schools. In the Sioux City Community School District nearly 5,000 students annually earn over
16,000 college credits through rigorous career and technical programs in a Career Academy structure
focused on college and workforce development. Today’s increasingly global society requires American
public schools to equip their students with a set of skills that is far more sophisticated and advanced
than what was required in the manufacturing-based economy of 50 years ago. Specifically, the 21st
Century economy demands greater knowledge and more complex computational, communication, and
technological skills of its workforce.
The reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which was scheduled for
2013 yet has not been voted on, provides Congress with a critical opportunity to reinforce the importance
of effective high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in schools that are aligned with
college and career readiness standards, as well as the needs of employers, industry and labor. We
believe there are provisions in the current Perkins Act that must be sustained in any reauthorization,
but we also believe changes must be made to the legislation in order to maintain a highly-qualified and
prepared workforce.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
We enjoy robust Career Academy program offerings for our students in high school in our local community.
These offerings are only possible through the partnerships with other organizations such as Western Iowa
Tech, our local businesses and industries, the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, and the community.
The overarching purpose of our Career Academy High School is to improve high school graduation rates,
improve post-secondary planning, and develop successful citizens through workforce development. Our
efforts are showing progress: the Sioux City Community School District boasts one of the highest graduation
rates of urban schools in the state of Iowa, with a graduation rate of nearly 90%, and a corresponding
dropout rate of only 1.85%. While we offer programs in all 16 federally-recognized career pathways, none
of this would be possible without the funding through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education
Act. We urge our tri-state members of Congress to:
• Maintain the current basic state grant funding formula for the distribution of funds to states and local
school districts and appropriately fund the basic state grant program.
• Leave the Perkins funding streams allocated for K-12 institutions and higher education institutions
separate.
• Oppose any changes to Perkins funding that would mandate set-asides to be used for competitive
grants.
• Support efforts in the next reauthorization to incentivize local school districts to partner more closely
with industry and the business community.
• Support a requirement that every local education agency or a consortia of districts that share career
and technical education programs form a higher education and economic development council.
• Support the creation of a new funding stream that would ensure districts can offer career planning and
counseling to all students.
• Create, through the reauthorization, programming that assesses the quality of a CTE program based
on the following measures: academic skill attainment in reading/math, technical skill attainment,
graduation rate, and secondary placement.
In conclusion, we believe every adolescent should graduate from high school prepared for college or a
fulfilling career, but Congress must increase the federal investment in career and technical education
programs as well as make important changes to the Perkins Act to accomplish this goal. We are committed
to doing everything in our power to ensure all young people can be college and career ready.
AUTHOR(S)
Dr. Paul Gausman, Superintendent, Sioux City Community School District, [email protected],
712.279.6643
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
185th AIR REFUELING WING (ARW)
READY FOR NEXT GENERATION MID-AIR REFUELING TANKER
ISSUE
The Iowa Air National Guard strategic plan seeks to ensure the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) is positioned
well for the next generation of Aerial Refueling Tanker, the KC-46A Pegasus. The 185th ARW has desirable
manpower, facilities and experience needed to modernize its tanker to the next generation.
The wing has been flying the KC-135R Stratotanker since 2003. The 185th ARW remains the unit to
emulate for superior performance and is recognized throughout the Air National Guard for their successes.
Below are a few of the prestigious awards the 185th ARW has received:
2014 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (8th award received)
2013 AMC KC-135 Fuel Efficiency Award
2011 Airlift Tanker Association Outstanding Unit Award
2009 Distinguished Flying Unit Recipient
2008 Metcalf Trophy for Best Heavy Aircraft Unit
SUPPORT REQUESTED
The 185th ARW is currently active and fully engaged with the country’s military priorities worldwide. We
urge our tri-state Congressional delegation to support the modernization of the 185th ARW aircraft with the
new KC-46 to keep them on the leading technological edge.
BACKGROUND
The mission of the 185th ARW is to provide rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America’s armed
forces while ensuring air refueling support of the national strategic mission. The 185th ARW also plays a
crucial role in providing humanitarian, state and national disaster response.
Last year, the 185th ARW in Sioux City deployed more than 320 Airmen serving in nine countries in support
of the U.S. Central Command and Pacific Command. The 185th ARW has always been 100+% manned
with members bursting with a Midwest work ethic. The base is strategically positioned in the middle of the
country with easy access to both coasts and beyond, providing global support for all U.S. and coalition
forces.
The 185th ARW is leading the way in the KC-135 community. The hard work and dedication of the unit was
proven when they were awarded their 8th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The award was given to units
that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally-meritorious service that clearly sets them apart from
other Air National Guard bases. Their successes make them ideal to take on a more modern airframe,
such as the KC-46 Pegasus, KC-Y, and/or other mission sets.
Over the past year the 185th ARW annual payroll was $51,543,900 and annual expenditures of $6,767,500.
The base employed 398 full-time members and 849 traditional guardsmen last year. Additionally, they
provide $1,429,400 in assistance and bonuses to Airmen for betterment of their education. Using a
standard Air Force formula places the annual value of indirect jobs created at $11,010,300 for a total
economic impact of $70,751,100 in fiscal year 2015.
The 185th ARW is accessible, responsive, and capable of taking on the challenge of the next generation of
aerial refueling tankers and other mission sets.
AUTHOR(S)
Col. Lawrence L. Christensen, Wing Commander, 185th Air Refueling Wing,
[email protected], 712.233.0502
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
EPA’S WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES RULE &
WATER QUALITY ISSUES
ISSUE
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a final rule significantly expanding the
definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The WOTUS rule
would grant the EPA regulatory authority far beyond the limits approved by Congress, and would impose
significant burdens and uncertainty on many groups in the Siouxland area, including industry, agriculture,
and municipal utilities. We urge our congressional delegation to support any legislative effort to block the
WOTUS rule.
At the same time, the nation is confronting various water quality issues, including excessive nutrient loads.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
We urge the tri-state delegation to support the many ongoing, voluntary efforts to address these issues,
including appropriating funds to help them succeed.
BACKGROUND
The WOTUS rule expands EPA’s jurisdiction over waters and land uses beyond what Congress intended
and beyond the limits of the Clean Water Act as interpreted by the Supreme Court. Moreover, the WOTUS
rule was finalized without the EPA conducting the required regulatory impact analyses and without
appropriately consulting with states and other affected stakeholders.
It is, therefore, not surprising that more than half of the states and numerous stakeholder organizations
have filed lawsuits challenging the WOTUS rule. Two separate federal courts have already determined that
the WOTUS rule may be unlawful and have imposed injunctions temporarily blocking its implementation.
But these injunctions could be lifted. As long as the WOTUS rule remains on the books, businesses of all
sizes, as well as state and local governments, will suffer the regulatory uncertainty from the rule itself and
from the ongoing litigation.
Congress has tried to stop the EPA’s overreaching WOTUS rule through legislation and passage of
resolutions under the Congressional Review Act. Unfortunately, these attempts have failed. In order to
prevent the WOTUS rule and corresponding regulatory uncertainty from further harming the economy, we
urge the Siouxland delegation to support any future legislation Congress may propose to block the rule.
We further recognize that there are water quality issues facing the nation, including excess nutrients in
our waters. Nutrient runoff from agriculture contributes to the annual “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico—
an area of low oxygen caused by excess nutrients, making it difficult for marine life to survive. Excess
nutrients have also contributed to algal blooms across the country (such as the annual algal bloom in Lake
Erie) and have required municipal water utilities to expend resources to ensure that the nation’s drinking
water complies with federal standards.
We support the many voluntary efforts currently underway in the Siouxland region to improve water quality.
A wide range of stakeholders—including industry associations, local and state governments, farmers, and
industry—have launched programs to address nutrient runoff by, among other things, providing farmers
with the technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices. Nutrient loss is a large-
scale problem, and it will take all of these groups working together to solve it. We encourage the Siouxland
delegation to support these efforts to boost water quaity in any way, including through the appropriations
process.
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
Furthermore, Congress reduced funding in the 2014 Farm Bill for the conservation programs used by
America’s farmers by nearly $6 billion over the next ten years. These programs cannot be sustained with
further reductions. We urge the Siouxland delegation to support the $860.374 million funding level outlined
in the President’s FY17 budget proposal for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS)
Conservation Operations account. This program supports the critical work of conservation districts in
enlisting land owners and operators to participate in voluntary conservation practices that ensure clean
water, healthy soils, and other vital benefits on which the public relies each day.
AUTHOR(S)
Ricky J. Mach, Interim Director of Public Works, City of Sioux City, IA, [email protected], 712.279.6221
Rosemary O’Brien, Vice President Public Affairs, CF Industries, robrien@cfindustries.com, 202.371.9279
Ted Cherry, CityAdministrator, City of North Sioux City, SD, [email protected], 605.232.4276
Jeff Dooley, Manager, Dakota Dunes CID, SD, [email protected], 605.232.4211
Lance Hedquist, City Administrator, City of South Sioux City, NE, [email protected],
402.454.7517
Aaron Lincoln, City Administrator, City of Sergeant Bluff, IA, [email protected], 712.943.4244
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE PROGRAM
ISSUE
Sioux Gateway Airport/Col. Bud Day Field has a $218 million local economic impact. It is imperative that
we continue to have commercial air service to support economic development, business retention, and
future growth of our community. The Sioux Gateway Airport Board of Trustees, City of Sioux City, and the
Siouxland Chamber of Commerce are continuing efforts to attract additional service, expand the number
of flights, and add an additional hub to accommodate those fliers that need to go west from Sioux City.
Sioux City has been dependent on the Essential Air Service (EAS) program to provide basic service since
2012. Beginning May 1, 2016, however, we were able to secure commercial air service without the need
for the EAS program through the competitive proposal process. The EAS program continued to provide
commercial service while our community was able to show the local demand and ultimate successful
transition to a no subsidy service.
Congress will be considering a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill this year and
it is important that the Essential Air Service program is included and fully funded for the current airports
that depend on the EAS program to retain commercial air service. We successfully secured commercial
air service because of the EAS program.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
The Sioux Gateway Airport Board of Trustees, City of Sioux City, and Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
recommend continued support of the EAS program. As Congress looks at reauthorization for the coming
year, we ask that the EAS program budget be maintained at sufficient levels to meet the current contract
obligations and that no new restrictions are added that would eliminate the Sioux Gateway Airport from
being eligible for the program. It is important to view Sioux City as a success and also to maintain the
program if needed in the future.
BACKGROUND
The tri-state community has always supported the Sioux Gateway Airport/Col. Bud Day Field as the
regional airport.
On October 14, 2011, two airlines submitted competitive bids for the Sioux City service, and American
Eagle Airlines was selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to provide EAS service to
Chicago with two flights per day using 44-seat and 50-seat regional jets. American Eagle began service
on April 3, 2012 under the EAS program. The USDOT contract was for two years; however, it included
a waiver of the hold-in requirements that allows American Eagle to leave this market if they give written
notice to the USDOT. If American Eagle discontinued service, USDOT would be required to go back
through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process under the EAS program to get a new service provider.
The contract was for $1.5 million per year for two years.
Under the current EAS contract, the USDOT asked for proposals that were due in December 2012 for the
next two-year contract beginning April 2014. Bids were received from American Eagle Airlines ($611,000)
and United Airlines ($1.4 million). We believe the lower proposed cost for these next two years indicates
how successful the service has been and that the EAS program is working to help bridge the gap for air
service in Sioux City.
American Eagle has shown their ability to build service in other EAS markets and has been successful
in eliminating the need for EAS in those markets. During the past few years prior to 2011, enplanements
had been declining at Sioux Gateway Airport, but the 2011 enplanement numbers showed a substantial
increase over 2010 and enplanements remained strong in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. This increase
in enplanements is indicative of the demand for service from Sioux City to other areas of the country.
Average load factors have also been higher for the past four years since American Eagle began service
to Chicago.
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
Access to the EAS program ensured our ability to retain air service while we worked with American Airlines
to build our market and to become self-supporting, eliminating our need for the EAS program. Currently
Sioux City has the second lowest per passenger subsidy at $12 of all the EAS communities (subject to the
$200 per passenger subsidy cap).
The most recent EAS program bids were due November 5, 2015 for a two-year contract to begin May 1,
2016. United Airlines submitted a bid of $324,159 and American Airlines bid $1,261,601. American then
notified the USDOT they would continue flying without subsidy beginning May 1, 2016, which ended the
competitive bid process. American Airlines currently provides twice daily service to Chicago and will add
a daily flight to Dallas/Fort Worth beginning May 5, 2016.
AUTHOR(S)
Mike Collett, Assistant City Manager, City of Sioux City, IA, [email protected], 712.279.0170
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
FEDERAL DEFICIT REDUCTION
ISSUE
The federal government does not have a strategic plan which is continuously adhered to, to decrease the
federal deficit.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
The Siouxland delegation asks that Congress put in place a strategy to decrease the federal deficit by
creating a surplus. More accountable spending should be expected, and the federal deficit’s ceiling should
not be as fluid as it has been in years past. Once a strategy is in place to reduce the deficit, it is imperative
that the strategy is followed and the true definition of the deficit not changed.
BACKGROUND
Many elected officials, department heads and economists talk about the federal budget and the federal
deficit. The talking points used by individuals and groups have varying facts and figures creating arguments
over what should or should not be included in the debate over the federal budget and the federal deficit.
The federal budget should include all actual expenditures and all actual revenues. This would allow for
more transparency and accountability of what is spent and received. This accountability would create a
genuine target number on whether each budget continues to expand the debt or helps reduce the debt.
States, cities, and even families are including all expenditures and all revenues while figuring out their
budgets.
As of February 12, 2016, the current outstanding debt is over $19,014,913,300,000, a staggering $159,000
per taxpayer according to the U.S. Department of Treasury. Most recently, President Obama has submitted
his FY17 budget request that would increase the national debt by another $4.1 trillion. Currently, the way
to gauge the amount of the federal deficit is based on semantic choices on how to label government
receipts and payments. Governmental agencies and departments do not use uniform and consistent
language when rolling out economic policies. Different years and various offices overseeing the budget
may choose to refer to receipts by labeling it taxes or loans. Income from interest earned or the principal
itself in a government account may be spent to cover an expenditure or payment, and these monetary
transfers may not be accounted for as actual spending. This phraseology juggling allows a wide range of
inconsistent numbers to be reported as the federal deficit throughout the years.
In order to clearly understand the federal deficit, the government needs to define the federal deficit so that
it includes every type of expenditure and then insist that this one definition be used exclusively throughout
all budgeting processes. The current reported debt of over $19 trillion does not include every type of
expenditure, and the number would substantially grow if all expenditures were added. In 2000 the reported
national debt was just over $5.6 trillion and by 2014 this number had tripled. The government applauds
itself when they create less of a deficit than the previous year. Creating a budget with a smaller deficit than
the preceding year is not the answer. Spending more than what was received still increases the overall
deficit. The only way to reduce the overall federal deficit is to create a surplus.
Once the actual overall receipts and payments are included in the federal budget, this could create an
improved understanding of the federal deficit’s exact size. More accountable spending should be expected,
and the federal deficit’s ceiling should not be as fluid as it has been in years past. Once a strategy is in
place to reduce the deficit, it is imperative that the strategy is followed throughout the budgeting process
and the true definition of the deficit is not changed.
AUTHOR(S)
Jim Johnson, President, Taxpayers Research Council, [email protected], 712.252.5859
Taylor Goodvin, Executive Director, Taxpayers Research Council, [email protected], 712.252.5859
12
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS PRIORITIES
ISSUE
The implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to carry a high profile across the country
and in Siouxland. The issues presented in this paper are those of the health care delivery system providers
who are members of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce.
Siouxland providers have in good faith and with full effort worked diligently to transition policies, procedures
and practices to comply with the ACA. The issues presented in this paper are primarily focused on
legislative or regulatory changes that are necessary as we continue to redesign the delivery and payer
systems.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
The health care provider members of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce respectfully asks Congress
to address the following issues:
• Continue efforts to address backlog of Recovery Account Audit (RAC) audit appeals
Recent adjustments in the RAC process reducing the number of reviews from 2% to 0.5% is a positive
step for providers. The backlog of RAC appeals filed by providers continues to be extensive with some
estimates as high as 800,000. The providers in Siouxland understand the pressures to be accountable
on accuracy and completeness of Medicare claims and share the concerns of Congress to stem, if not
eliminate, fraud and abuse. At the same time providers have little to no recourse for timely resolution
of errors made by the RAC auditors and to be paid on contested claims.
• Continue support of Community Health Centers
As the Siouxland Community Health Center celebrates its 25th anniversary of service, we ask Congress
to eliminate the continued threat of “the funding cliff.” In April 2015, Congress approved H.R. 2, the
Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which extended Health Centers’ mandatory
funding for another two years. We are now one year away from the expiration of that legislation, and
we would encourage Congress to resolve the Community Health Center funding issue before the law
is allowed to expire.
The Siouxland Community Health Center has become a critical provider of health care in our region.
More than 27,000 patients from our tri-state area have made the Community Health Center their
medical home. The focus on care of the underserved is central to the mission of the Siouxland
Community Health Center, and we would urge Congress to avoid the scenario witnessed in 2015 that
would have slashed Health Center budgets by nearly 70%.
• Two midnight rule
The premise of the two midnight rule as a determinant for inpatient Medicare payments has been
flawed from the outset. Recent changes to consider the two midnight rule on a case-by-case basis is
a step in the right direction. Born out of the RAC process and not out of medical necessity for inpatient
treatment as determined by the attending physician, the two midnight rule should be eliminated as a
requirement for inpatient payment. As payment methodologies migrate to Provider Risk Based Plans
such as the Next Generation Accountable Care Organization (ACO), the necessity of the two midnight
rule is even less valid.
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
• STARK law revision (also known as the physician self-referral law)
The STARK law was passed to prevent fraud and abuse in the Fee for Service or volume-based
payment system of traditional Medicare. With the advancement of value-based purchasing and
Provider Based Risk programming, it is critical that physicians, hospitals, and all other partners in the
new delivery model can work openly together to achieve highest quality patient outcomes at the lowest
possible cost of care. Providers who are participants in an alternative payment methodology and who
share financial risk in the patient’s care and outcomes should be excluded from STARK restrictions.
AUTHOR(S)
James Fitzpatrick, CEO, Mercy Medical Center, james.fi[email protected], 712.279.2297
Stacy Harmelink, Administrator, Midlands Clinic, [email protected], 605.217.5550
Greg Miner, CEO, Dunes Surgical Hospital, [email protected], 605.232.3332
David Smetter, Vice President, Mercy Medical Center, [email protected], 712.279.2915
Mike Stiles, Chancellor, St. Luke’s College, [email protected], 712.279.3148
Karen Van De Steeg, Executive Director, Health Inc., [email protected], 712.252.9301
Jim Wharton, Director, Siouxland Community Health Center, [email protected], 712.224.1815
Lynn Wold, President & CEO, UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s, [email protected], 712.279.3632
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62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
IMMIGRATION REFORM
ISSUE
Despite emerging as one of the most divisive and frequently partisan issues of the day, there appears to
be broad consensus that the current immigration system in the United States is deeply flawed and may
be irreparably broken. So polarized and entrenched have the parties advocating opposing positions on
this issue become that even the use of the labels “illegal aliens” and “undocumented immigrants” have
been perceived as political posturing. Furthermore, while the actual number of impacted immigrants is
unknown, estimates vary considerably from 11.7 million1 “undocumented immigrants” to 18-20 million2
“illegal aliens.”
SUPPORT REQUESTED
The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce recognizes that our immigration system is defective. In order to fix
the problem, a comprehensive, rational approach to immigration reform is needed. While the debate rages
regarding how to address this issue, we believe that the federal government’s longstanding stalemate and
inaction must be replaced with a constructive dialogue aimed at achieving consensus and resolving this
matter for all concerned, including immigrants, families, employers, government agencies, etc. We believe
a solution that is equitable, balanced, meets the needs of our growing economy, and passes the test of
common sense is required.
Therefore, we respectfully urge our tri-state Congressional delegation to continue to work with other
Members of Congress, as well as the Obama Administration, which should not be acting unilaterally, to
find a viable and permanent solution to this divisive issue.
BACKGROUND
We urge Congress to work together to fix our immigration system by finding common ground and common
sense solutions that address meaningful immigration reform. A comprehensive approach to immigration
should include embracing and enforcing a system that functions efficiently for employers, workers, and
government agencies; further develops a reliable, accurate, efficient and modern employment eligibility
verification system (E-verify); ensures that all workers enjoy the same labor law protections; addresses
border security; examines the impact to the public education system; enforces the laws; considers raising
the cap on H-1B visas; streamlines the process for hiring highly-skilled workers; and evaluates the future
economic needs for workers, as well as addresses the status of immigrants who are currently living and/
or working in the United States in violation of federal law.
AUTHOR(S)
Barbara M. Sloniker, Executive Vice President, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce,
[email protected], 712.255.7903
1http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/24/us/immigrant-population-shows-signs-of-growth-estimates-show.html
2http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/9/nearly-20m-illegal-immigrants-us-ex-border-patrol/
15
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
REAUTHORIZATION OF THE INDIVIDUALS
WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA)
ISSUE
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), originally enacted in 1975, requires that every
student with a disability has access to a free, appropriate public education. IDEA was last reauthorized in
2004. As this legislation was being developed, national groups successfully promoted significant changes
that shifted program emphasis from complying with legal requirements to improving education outcomes
and accountability for all students. Although federal legislation initially promised to provide 40% of the
excess cost to educate students with disabilities, all appropriations have fallen short, leaving states and
local school districts to make up the difference. It is important that the reauthorized IDEA also include
expectations of appropriation to fully fund the 40% of excess cost to educate all students with disabilities.
IDEA had been scheduled for reauthorization in 2011, but reauthorization appears to be delayed until 2016
or even later.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
We recommend a strategic approach to reauthorization of IDEA with a strong emphasis on improved
education outcomes for students with disabilities. In preparation for the next IDEA reauthorization, we urge
our tri-state Members of Congress to:
• Support legislation that recognizes the authority of local school boards.
• Oppose unnecessary, burdensome, and costly reporting and data collection requirements related to
IDEA Reauthorization and other related bills.
• Engage our state associations in providing opportunities for local school boards to identify issues of
concern and offer recommendations for modifications to the current law.
• Fully fund the 40% of excess cost to educate students with disabilities.
During the last reauthorization in 2004, the IDEA leaders had excellent bipartisan support in Congress
that helped negotiate final language. We ask for that same bipartisan support and work toward successful
changes to shift the program emphasis from legal processes to improving education outcomes and
accountability for all students.
It is imperative that appropriations match the needs through IDEA reauthorization. Districts have long
struggled since the original authorization and reauthorization of IDEA, and are using local tax dollars to
cover the burdens required by the federal government under the law. Please consider full funding of the
federal expectations as a part of reauthorization.
AUTHOR(S)
Dr. Rod Earleywine, Superintendent, Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District (IA), [email protected],
712.943.8787
Dr. Vernon Fisher, Superintendent, South Sioux City Community Schools (NE), [email protected], 402.404.1277
Dr. Paul Gausman, Superintendent, Sioux City Community School District (IA), [email protected],
712.279.6643
Al Leber, Superintendent, Dakota Valley School District (SD), [email protected], 605.422.3800
16
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
SIOUXLAND’S PUBLIC & NOT-FOR-PROFIT HIGHER EDUCATION PRIORITIES
ISSUE
The Siouxland region is blessed with a rich diversity of post-secondary education options for our citizenry.
Residents of Siouxland can choose between publicly-funded community colleges, private not-for-profit
residential liberal arts colleges, a private not-for-profit specialized nursing and health science college, a
tribal college, as well as publicly-funded and state-operated colleges and universities.
Workforce development is a priority for business and industry throughout the tri-state area. The legislative
and regulatory priorities and concerns of this rich mixture of colleges and universities are all linked to and
fully aligned with workforce development.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
• We continue to support reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
• We support year-round Pell. We recognize and acknowledge that many of today’s students are seeking
year-round programs of study to allow them to complete their education and enter the workforce as
soon as possible. We also recognize and acknowledge that many of today’s students are second
career or non-traditional students who are working full time while enrolling part time year round to
advance their career. Year-round Pell will better serve these students.
• Student debt concerns our institutions and our local governing boards. We believe that costs are best
managed by our local boards, in our local markets and will continue to reflect our respective missions
and curriculums.
• We ask Congress to not support or act on the concept of “Institutional Risk Sharing” that would require
colleges to put up financial guarantees on student loans. Such an action could add significant financial
burden on colleges and drive up the cost of tuition as colleges have no other source to fund such
guarantees or to pay penalties on defaulted student loans. Today’s students are highly mobile and
many transfer from college to college with their debt following them to the last college attended. This
burdens the student’s last college of attendance with debt or default exposure accumulated at one or
more other institutions and artificially inflates the risk of the last college attended.
• We continue to be concerned about intended or unintended regulatory burden and urge caution and
restraint in adding new requirements on colleges and universities, particularly those that will add cost
with little or no direct impact on student learner outcomes and workforce development.
• We support voluntary accreditation and value accreditation’s core function of ensuring educational
quality. Regional accreditors embrace the diversity of post-secondary institution’s missions,
governance, funding and teaching models while focusing on assuring learner outcomes are pertinent
to the student’s chosen discipline and degree level. We are concerned that a federal regulator will not
equally embrace institutional diversity and autonomy.
APPRECIATION NOTED
• We are pleased that the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) scorecard as implemented did not result
in a single metric, rating or ranking. We continue to support public accountability and transparency
as an obligation to the taxpayer who funds the federal financial aid programs that our students are
dependent upon.
• We are pleased that the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the IRA Charitable Rollover
were made permanent in the Omnibus Tax and Appropriations Act that also fully funded Pell, restored
funding for Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) and Federal Work Study.
AUTHOR(S)
Mike Stiles, Chancellor, St. Luke’s College, [email protected], 712.279.3148
Dr. Michael R. Chipps, President, Northeast Community College, [email protected], 402.844.7055
Pam Miller, Dean, College Center, [email protected], 402.241.6405
Dr. Terry Murrell, President, Western Iowa Tech Community College, [email protected], 712.274.6400
John Reynders, President, Morningside College, [email protected], 712.274.5100
Bev Wharton, President, Briar Cliff University, [email protected], 712.279.5321
17
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
TAX POLICIES FOR GROWTH & A BETTER ECONOMY
ISSUE
Focus on enacting tax laws that help small businesses grow, create sustainable jobs and build the economy.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
Resist “offsets” and tax proposals that backtrack on tax relief. Embrace pro-small-business tax laws that
promote business growth and make working pay.
BACKGROUND
Federal tax law needs to focus on small business growth, on making working better than not working for
all able-bodied persons, and on building the economy. These tax policies need to be enacted or retained.
Income Tax
No changes to individual or corporate income tax law that increase tax rates or brackets should be
considered until real, significant and lasting reduction – not just reduced growth – in government spending
occurs. Eliminate the 39.6% bracket.
Make Working Pay
Persons able to work collect government support payments and coupons while across America “help
wanted” signs up and down Main Street go begging for applicants. Make working pay. Reexamine and
restructure unemployment and disability benefits programs to make working better than not working.
Tax Rates on Capital Gains
Taxing passive income at the same rates as active income has merit but increasing the tax rates on
capital gains from the sale of business assets and real estate is counterproductive to sensible business
transitions and overall business growth. Set 15% as the maximum tax rate on all such capital gains.
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
AMT continues to be a stealth tax on middle-class, working-American, job-creating, small business owners
and needs to be terminated.
Death Tax
Higher Unified Credit protection and portability were positive but ending the death tax is better farm-
operator and small business tax policy.
Taxes from Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The ACA imposes excessive employer penalties (i.e. $100/day = $36,500 per employee per year) if
employees do not have “qualifying” health insurance, and then ACA denies “qualifying” status to most
health insurance options such as pre-tax cash to employees to use to purchase their own health insurance
on the State exchanges. Health insurance portability and coverage for child dependents up through age
25 were steps in the correct direction. Beyond that, the ACA is job-killing. Eliminate the employer tax
penalties imposed by the ACA. Use incentives to achieve health insurance goals.
AUTHOR(S)
Lance D. Ehmcke, Partner, Heidman Law Firm, [email protected], 712.222.4160
John C. Williams, Managing Partner, Henjes, Conner & Williams, [email protected], 712.277.3931
18
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
U.S. HIGHWAY 20 & NEBRASKA HIGHWAY 35
ISSUE
Provide an efficient, safe, and modern transportation system for northwest Iowa, northeast Nebraska, and
southeast South Dakota.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
Community leaders request support from Congress to work collaboratively toward a continuous and
efficient transportation system. Support is requested in seeking additional funding through various sources
to complete a four-lane Highway 35 in Nebraska. It is requested that the balance of the existing funds
allocated to the Nebraska Highway 35 project be released for land acquisition and the design of the
interchange. Continued support for the completion of statewide four-lane U.S. Highway 20 in Iowa is also
requested, with a completion date of November 2018 on the near horizon.
BACKGROUND
U.S. Highway 20
One of the very first coast-to-coast highways in the United States, U.S. Highway 20, starts in downtown
Boston and travels through Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa,
Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon. U.S. Highway 20 is a direct route from Iowa’s manufacturing
and food processing industries to the northeastern United States, one of the world’s largest and wealthiest
markets.
The Iowa Legislature passed, and Governor Terry E. Branstad signed into law, a 10 cent per gallon
increase in the state’s gas tax in February 2015. Due to the increased revenue, the Iowa Department of
Transportation (IDOT) Commission amended their 2015-2019 Iowa Transportation Improvement Program
on March 10, 2015, to include purchase of right-of-way for four-lane U.S. 20 between Correctionville and
U.S. Highway 59 at Holstein, a major step toward eventual completion. In June 2015, the DOT Commission
approved the new Five Year Plan which included completion of the entire project on a fast track schedule.
U.S. Highway 20 will become the state’s second east-west four-lane when completed in November 2018.
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) is now in the midst of grading two new lanes of U.S.
Highway 20 from Moville to Minnesota Avenue west of Correctionville. Construction on the segment
from Minnesota Avenue to Correctionville began in 2015 with a 2018 completion date. Construction on
redesigned five-lane U.S. Highway 20 in Correctionville was completed in 2015. Bids for the Correctionville
to Holstein, and Holstein to Adams Avenue (east of Galva) segments were let in February 2016. Bids for
the final segment from Adams Avenue to Early will be let in summer 2016.
When complete, the statewide four-lane U.S. Highway 20 will serve the manufacturing, agriculture, value-
added ag, and service industries as well as the traveling public in northwest Iowa while providing relief
for an over utilized Interstate 80. Completing U.S. Highway 20 in Iowa will provide a crucial link between
the major Midwestern hubs of Chicago and Denver. It will also connect the only two cities of 20,000
population or greater in Iowa not presently served by a connecting four-lane highway: Sioux City and Fort
Dodge. Where safe, efficient, and modern transportation does not exist, the loss of population, business,
and opportunity is experienced. U.S. Highway 20 is also a direct route for Iowa’s exports to the western
seaports. Over 50% of Iowa highway traffic moves east/west with only one four-lane facility, Interstate 80,
supporting this demand.
A four-lane U.S. Highway 20 is strategically positioned to increase national roadway capacity by becoming
the “Midwest Connector.” Your support of this project has been crucial to its success. We thank you for
your efforts and look forward to celebrating completion of the long-awaited project!
19
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
Nebraska Highway 35
Nebraska Highway 35 Expressway is a 70-mile planned project for the Nebraska Expressway System. This
diagonal four-lane segment would connect the confluence of four-lane highways coming from the northeast
into Sioux City, Iowa with Norfolk, Nebraska and the four-lane Highway 81 Expressway to Interstate 80.
The Planned 35 Expressway is a significant link that would provide four-lane expressway continuity in
the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska region and between national destinations. The
Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) held a public hearing on the draft environmental impact statement
and proposed route on February 12, 2008. The hearing was very positive with only a few isolated concerns
regarding individual parcels of land planned to be acquired as part of this project. The City of South Sioux
City, Nebraska, along with other entities, stated strong support for the interchange on I-129 to remain part
of this 35 Expressway plan.
The 70-mile Nebraska Highway 35 Expressway is part of a larger expressway proposal by former Nebraska
State Senator Joel Johnson to extend the diagonal route to Colorado Springs, Colorado, which will save
significant distance, fuel, and time in moving people and goods between major markets. Nebraska is one
of only two states that lack a north / south four-lane Interstate route. 90% of all Nebraskans would be within
25 miles of an expressway or Interstate if this route was constructed.
The following information depicts the miles saved with the new diagonal route:
• Sioux City to Colorado Springs, CO 240 miles
• Sioux City to Grand Island, NE 96 miles
• Sioux City to York, NE 55 miles
Several large corporations that ship products on a regional, national, and international basis use the
Planned 35 Expressway route, including Affiliated Foods, Tyson/IBP Pork Division, Tyson/IBP Beef Division,
Great Dane Trailers and Michael Foods. SAFETEA-LU, provides funding for High Priority Corridors and
Corridors of Regional and National Significance. Nebraska Highway 35 Expressway is part of this national
system.
The attached map shows the construction schedule overview for the remainder of work to be completed
on U.S. Highway 20.
AUTHOR(S)
Lance Hedquist, City Administrator, City of South Sioux City, Nebraska, [email protected],
402.494.7517
Shirley Phillips, President, U.S. 20 Corridor Association, [email protected], 712.662.7383
Ann Trimble-Ray, Communications Director, U.S. 20 Corridor Association, [email protected],
712.273.5745
Jill M. Wanderscheid, Neighborhood Services Manager, City of Sioux City, Iowa,
[email protected], 712.224.5136
20
U.S. 20 Construction
2014-2018 62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
21
Section 1 - East of Moville to
Correctionville (2014-2018)
Section 2 and 3 - U.S. 20 and
Iowa 31 in Correctionville
(2015)
Section 4 - Correctionville to
Holstein (2016-2018)
Section 5 - Holstein to Adams
Ave. (2016-2018)
Section 6 - Adams Ave. to
west of Early (2017-2018)
Relocation of Iowa 31 west of
Correctionville
2016 Detour
2017-2018 Detour
2017-2018 Detour
From east of Moville to west
of U.S. 71 north of Early.
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
HOEVEN VALLEY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS
ISSUE
Conflicts between rail and car/truck traffic can have a significant impact on business efficiency and
commuter safety. For this reason it is important for a community to build infrastructure to resolve conflicts
and improve the safety and efficiency of its transportation networks. Historically, Sioux City has had
success in constructing projects which address these concerns. Projects include the recent over and
underpasses with the construction of Outer Drive North, the construction of Floyd Boulevard several years
ago, and the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) crossing of Gordon Drive (built in the 1930s). All of
these projects eliminate conflict in their respective areas. Even with these past successes, the City needs
to continue the effort to resolve conflicts that pose a safety threat and slow down access to important
commercial areas of the City. Among these identified improvements is the 18th Street Viaduct, which
received federal funding through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER)
Planning Grant Program in 2014.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
Sioux City would like to again thank you for the support provided in acquiring the 2014 TIGER Planning
Grant. This grant was a crucial first step in the development of the 18th Street Viaduct Project. These
funds have allowed the City to design area improvements and consider the impacts that new infrastructure
will have on the established Hoeven Valley Corridor. The planning study also allowed for the development
of alternative transportation options through the area for citizens wanting to safely access the City’s
recreational trail system.
We ask our tri-state Congressional delegation for their continued legislative support. It is critical as we
prepare to request funding assistance through the upcoming 2016 TIGER Construction Grant and the
Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP).
BACKGROUND
Hoeven Valley is the home of several major industries which depend upon efficient and safe transportation
routes to operate and grow. Many of these industries also have dependence on the rail network for the
supply of raw materials for the transportation of their finished goods. Projects such as the 18th Street
Viaduct will help to improve the efficiency and safety of the existing road and rail infrastructure. These are
the kinds of enhancements that allow the businesses to thrive and grow in the communities in which they
are established.
The City has repeatedly applied for the TIGER Construction Grant which would provide funding to build
the infrastructure projects, such as the 18th Street Viaduct. In 2014 the City submitted an application
for a TIGER Planning Grant which would provide funding for the planning and design of infrastructure
improvements in the Hoeven Valley corridor. The City was notified of the TIGER award after the Chamber’s
2014 Siouxland/Washington Conference and the receipt of legislative support from our Iowa delegation. An
application was not submitted for the 2015 TIGER Construction Grant as the City was working through the
planning stages with the awarded TIGER Planning Grant; however, application preparation is underway
for the anticipated 2016 funding requests.
In early discussions with the Federal Highway Authority (FHA), it has been suggested that the planning
grant is an important first step in assembling a project that will be more qualified for future construction
funding. Over the next couple of months the City will work to complete planning and design in preparation
of the 2016 requests for federal assistance. Legislative support associated with continued infrastructure
funding programs will help to ensure growth of these Sioux City based industries.
AUTHOR(S)
Brittany Anderson, Senior Civil Engineer, City of Sioux City, Iowa, [email protected], 712.279.6401
Marty Dougherty, Economic Development Director, City of Sioux City, Iowa, [email protected],
712.279.6345
Glenn Ellis, City Engineer, City of Sioux City, Iowa, [email protected], 712.279.6330
Chris Myres, Economic Development Specialist, City of Sioux City, Iowa, [email protected],
712.224.5502 22
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
INTERSTATE 29 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
ISSUE
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) continues to make progress with the reconstruction of
Interstate 29 (I-29). The direct impact to Sioux City is the requirement to move major utilities out of the
Interstate right-of-way. Initial estimates had the City’s costs at $25 million dollars. Considering the actual
cost of projects, the estimates for future work, and a few additions, the costs are now estimated to be over
$40 million dollars.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
We ask our tri-state Congressional delegation to:
• Identify funding opportunities that will assist communities impacted by large State roadway projects
to offset financial burdens related to the project
• Support infrastructure programming that assists communities with the maintenance of aging systems
to ensure that cities are able to maintain environmental compliance and able to avoid the economic
hardships associated with improvements that are made to provide a larger regional benefit
BACKGROUND
The City of Sioux City has been working with IDOT for several years on the I-29 reconstruction project.
This project is important for Sioux City, the State of Iowa, and the other States in the region. The costs of
relocating utilities are high and continue to increase as projects develop and are bid. These increasing
costs place a huge burden on Sioux City utility customers who may see a relatively small benefit from the
project overall.
The City of Sioux City was informed that in order to accommodate the reconstruction of I-29, the water,
sanitary sewer, and storm sewer infrastructure which conflicted with the State’s existing and future rights
of way, would need to be relocated. The City understood this requirement and began to work with IDOT to
jointly design projects which would accomplish this utility relocation requirement. The working relationship
between the City and IDOT is very good. IDOT has been accommodating and has made the City a
partner in the development of the projects. A specific example of the cooperation is the inclusion of the
reconstruction of Zenith Drive. This project was identified in 2013 and State officials worked diligently to
ensure that funding was available and that the project was included in the overall work plan. As a result of
this cooperation, the Zenith Drive project is nearing completion, which in turn helped Sioux City to retain
a major company.
While the working relationship with IDOT on these projects is good, the increasing cost of these projects
is placing a substantial financial burden on the City. Initial estimates for the utility relocation portion of the
I-29 work were $25 million. Through the bidding processes and based on recent revised estimates, it is
believed that the total cost of these projects will be close to $40 million. These costs are all borne by the
residents of Sioux City and utility users in the tri-state area.
While some of the infrastructure that is being moved with these projects is in need of replacement, most
of the pipes are still in good condition and would provide adequate service for years to come. Additionally,
there are no new connections to this relocated infrastructure and thus no new sources of revenue. This
means that the costs of these new pipes are entirely on the existing users. These are the same users that
also have to support the repair and replacement of the aging infrastructure throughout the City.
AUTHOR(S)
Jeff Hanson, Community Development Operations Manager, City of Sioux City, Iowa,
[email protected], 712.279.6103
23
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
SOUTHBRIDGE BUSINESS PARK
ISSUE
The City of Sioux City wishes to provide a progress update on infrastructure and industrial development
projects in the Southbridge Business Park.
SUPPORT REQUESTED
The City requests continued Congressional support for the construction of critical infrastructure to help
secure major new economic development projects through the continued growth of the Southbridge
Business Park. The City requests federal support for the construction of additional industrial-scale
infrastructure and improvements to the transportation network, including planning of a potential new
Interstate 29 (I-29) Southbridge interchange.
In addition, the creation of a rail-served industrial business park will positively impact Sioux City and the
surrounding regional area by increasing safety and providing efficient growth of freight rail transportation,
with reduced truck traffic, vehicle emissions, and other environmental benefits over the projected 20-year
horizon. The new rail yard offers the opportunity to provide direct rail service to companies locating in
Southbridge as well as the potential for trans-load service for area businesses.
BACKGROUND
The development of the Southbridge Business Park was necessitated by the limited opportunities for large,
flat industrial development sites in the community, and the economic challenges faced by the community in
recent years. The City will incur significant development costs to be able to continue creating opportunities
for the attraction of quality jobs and capital investment.
The City is currently also financially burdened by the ongoing reconstruction of I-29 (the 10-year project
has about 3-4 years of construction remaining). The I-29 project incorporates critical safety and capacity
improvements to the 10-mile length of this vital transportation link for the tri-state region. While the highway
construction costs are paid through state and federal highway funds, the City’s required utility relocation
costs exceed $40 million.
Update
• Increased demand: The recent successful sale of 250 acres of land in the Bridgeport Industrial area
of Sioux City for the new Seaboard/Triumph Foods project will result in greater reliance on Southbridge
for additional major industrial development. This greatly increases the importance of the continued
development of Southbridge. The City and The Siouxland Initiative (TSI) are exploring the potential for
additional development sites in Southbridge.
• Southbridge Business Park: Southbridge Business Park is strategically located immediately south
of the Sioux Gateway Airport/Col. Bud Day Field, adjacent to I-29, with nearby rail service and several
thousand acres of potentially-developable land. In addition to the purchase of more than 300 acres of
development property, the City has invested over $65 million in infrastructure:
• Water Treatment Plant - A $35 million water treatment plant and well system went online in
early 2012. The facility is interconnected to the City’s existing water system and provides
an additional 10 mgd (expandable to 30 mgd) of clean water capacity.
• Southbridge Drive - Working with the 185th Air Refueling Wing of the Iowa Air National
Guard, the existing airport access road was relocated out of the airport area, providing
a new north/south access road into the new business park. The project also improved
access and security to one of Iowa’s two National Guard bases, and was opened in 2012.
• 225th Street - This rural gravel road was reconstructed to industrial standards to meet the
demands of growing industry. All associated utilities were also upgraded as part of this project.
A final leg of this project, providing a more truck-friendly connection to Port Neal Road, is
scheduled to be completed in 2016.
24
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
• Drop and Pull Rail Yard: With support from our Congressional delegation, the City was awarded nearly
$3.2 million in grant funds from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Federal Rail
Administration (FRA) to assist with rail improvements. These funds supported the construction of an
industrial lead track and “drop & pull yard.”
• Rail Yard Completion: Following several years of coordination with Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and
federal agencies, the $7.5 million project was completed in January 2016. This major new rail asset is
now recognized by the UP system and is ready to receive rail business. This new asset provides the
ability to market Southbridge with rail-served business development sites.
• TrinityRail: Unfortunately the company recently indicated that due to the dramatically-changed
conditions in the oil market they are not moving forward at this time with a new facility to rebuild oil
tanker cars. If the plan is revisited in the future, Sioux City remains at the top of the list because of the
quality of the Southbridge site and overall location.
• Sabre Industries: Sabre Industries, a leading manufacturer of communication and electric transmission
towers, was the first to build in Southbridge, opening its new 150-acre Southbridge industrial campus
in 2012. Sabre grew their highly-skilled workforce to over 532 employees with an initial $28 million
investment in 2012 and a subsequent $8 million Phase II expansion in 2014.
U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) National Priorities: The EDA grant award was from
disaster relief/mitigation funds related to the 2011 Missouri River flooding. The City worked closely with our
Congressional delegation and the EDA regional staff on the successful award to support the Southbridge
Rail project. This project met the criteria geared toward assisting with the community’s economic recovery.
Federal Priorities: Development of the Southbridge Business Park fits in line with federal EDA priorities
including the business expansion of clean energy, green technology, and environmentally-sustainable
development. The Southbridge project also fits well with federal U.S. Department of Transportation
priorities of job creation and near-term economic activity, especially in economically-distressed areas;
transportation benefits and readiness; economic competiveness, safety, and environmental sustainability.
New infrastructure in the Southbridge Business Park will significantly aid in the City’s ability to attract new
industry and assist existing industry with expansion by providing shovel-ready sites with heavy rail access
free from the threat of future flooding. Existing companies with large expansion plans and new national
and international manufacturing firms in the advanced manufacturing and food processing sectors are
actively evaluating Southbridge.
AUTHOR(S)
Marty Dougherty, Economic Development Director, City of Sioux City, Iowa, [email protected],
712.279.6345
Chris Myres, Economic Development Specialist, City of Sioux City, Iowa, [email protected],
712.224.5502
25
(former) 62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
26
TRI-STATE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), born in Red Oak, Montgomery County, Iowa, July 1, 1970; B.A., Iowa State
University, 1992; M.P.A., Columbus College (now Columbus State University), Columbus, GA, 1995; United
States Army Reserves, 1993-2001; Iowa Army National Guard, 2001-2015, attaining the rank of Lieutenant
Colonel; Auditor of Montgomery County, Iowa, 2005-2011; Member of the Iowa State Senate 2011-2014;
elected as a Republican to the United States Senate in 2014 for the term ending January 3, 2021.
Contact Information
111 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202.224.3254
Website: ernst.senate.gov
Twitter: @SenJoniErnst
Chief of Staff: Lisa Goeas – [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry; Armed Services; Homeland Security &
Governmental Affairs; Small Business & Entrepreneurship
Subcommittees: Rural Development & Energy (Chair); Nutrition, Specialty Crops & Agricultural Research; Livestock, Marketing & Agriculture
Security; Airland; Readiness & Management Support; Emerging Threats & Capabilities; Federal Spending Oversight & Emergency
Management; Regulatory Affairs & Federal Management
Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), born in New Hartford, Butler County, Iowa, September 17, 1933;
attended the public schools; graduated, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls 1955; received a
graduate degree from the same university in 1956; pursued graduate work, University of Iowa, Iowa City
1957-1958; engaged in agriculture; part-time University Instructor; Member, Iowa House of
Representatives 1959-1974; elected in 1974 as a Republican to the Ninety-fourth Congress; reelected to
the Ninety-fifth and Ninety-sixth Congresses (January 3, 1975-January 3, 1981); was not a candidate in
1980 for reelection to the House of Representatives, but was elected to the Senate in 1980; reelected in
1986, 1992, 1998, 2004 and again in 2010 for the term ending January 3, 2017.
Contact Information
135 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202.224.3744
Website: Grassley.senate.gov
Twitter: @ChuckGrassley
Chief of Staff: Jill Kozeny, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry; Budget; Finance; Judiciary (Chair); Joint Committee on Taxation
Subcommittees: General Farm Commodities, Risk Management & Trade; Conservation, Forestry & Natural Resources; Livestock, Marketing
& Agriculture Security; International Trade, Customs, & Global Competitiveness; Health Care; Energy, Natural Resources, & Infrastructure;
Antitrust, Competition Policy & Consumer Rights; The Constitution
Representative Steve King (R-IA-4th District), born in Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, Iowa, May 28,
1949; graduated from Denison Community High School, Denison, Iowa; attended Northwest Missouri State
University, Maryville, MO, 1967-1970; Business Owner; Member of the Iowa State Senate, 1996-2002;
elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Eighth and to the six succeeding Congresses (January 3,
2003-present).
Contact Information
2210 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.4426
Website: steveking.house.gov
Twitter: @SteveKingIA
Chief of Staff: Sarah Stevens, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Agriculture; Judiciary; Small Business
Subcommittees: Conservation & Forestry; Livestock & Foreign Agriculture; Agriculture, Energy & Trade; Contracting & Workforce
TRI-STATE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
Representative David Young (R-IA-3rd District), born in Van Meter, Dallas County, Iowa, May
11, 1968; graduated from Johnston High School, Johnston, Iowa, 1986; B.A., Drake University,
Des Moines, Iowa, 1991; Businessman; Staff, United States Senator Hank Brown of Colorado,
1993-1996; Staff, Campaign Manager, United States Senator James Bunning of Kentucky, 1998-
2006; Chief of Staff, United States Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa, 2006-2013; elected as a
Republican to the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress (January 3, 2015-present).
Contact Information
515 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.5476
Website: davidyoung.house.gov
Twitter: @RepDavidYoung
Chief of Staff: James Carstensen, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Appropriations
Subcommittees: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration, & Related Agencies; Homeland Security;
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development
Representative Dave Loebsack (D-IA-2nd District), born in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa,
December 23, 1952; graduated from East High School, Sioux City, Iowa, 1970; B.S., Iowa State
University, Ames, Iowa, 1974; M.A., Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 1976; Ph.D., University of
California, Davis, Calif., 1985; Professor; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Tenth and to the
four succeeding Congresses (January 3, 2007-present).
Contact Information
1527 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.6576
Website: loebsack.house.gov
Twitter: @daveloebsack
Chief of Staff: Eric Witte, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Armed Services; Energy & Commerce
Subcommittees: Communications & Technology; Energy & Power
Representative Rod Blum (R-IA-1st District), born in Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa, April 26,
1955; graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Dubuque, Iowa, 1973; B.A., Loras College,
Dubuque, Iowa, 1977; M.B.A., University of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa, 1989; Business Executive;
unsuccessful candidate for election to the United States House of Representatives in 2011; elected
as a Republican to the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress (January 3, 2015-present).
Contact Information
213 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.2911
Website: blum.house.gov
Twitter: @RepRodBlum
Chief of Staff: Paul Smith, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Budget
TRI-STATE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), born in Lincoln, Nebraska, March 1, 1951; graduated University of
Nebraska, B.S., 1988; Rancher; Valentine Rural High School Board of Education 1990-2004;
Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education 2000-2004; Nebraska
Unicameral Legislature 2005-2012; elected as a Republican to the United States Senate in 2012 for
the term ending January 3, 2019.
Contact Information
454 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202.224.6551
Website: fischer.senate.gov
Twitter: @SenatorFischer
Chief of Staff: Joe Hack, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Armed Services; Commerce, Science & Transportation; Environment & Public Works; Small Business &
Entrepreneurship
Subcommittees: Emerging Threats & Capabilities (Chair); Readiness & Management Support; Strategic Forces; Aviation
Operations, Safety, & Security; Communications, Technology Innovation, & the Internet; Consumer Protection, Product Safety,
Insurance & Data Security; Surface Transportation & Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, & Security (Chair)
Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE), born in Plainview, Pierce County, Nebraska, February 22, 1972; B.A.,
Harvard University, 1994; M.A., St. John’s College, Annapolis, MD, 1998; Ph.D., Yale University, 2004;
Management Consultant; University Professor; Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry;
Counselor to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Assistant Secretary for
Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; President of Midland
University, Fremont, Nebraska; elected as a Republican to the United States Senate in 2014 for the
term ending January 3, 2021.
Contact Information
386A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202.224.4224
Website: sasse.senate.gov
Twitter: @SenSasse
Chief of Staff: Derrick Morgan, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry; Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs; Homeland Security &
Governmental Affairs; Joint Economic Committee; Special Committee on Aging
Subcommittees: Conservation, Forestry & Natural Resources; Nutrition, Specialty Crops & Agricultural Research; Livestock,
Marketing & Agriculture Security (Chair); Economic Policy; National Security & International Trade & Finance; Securities, Insurance,
& Investment; Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations; Regulatory Affairs & Federal Management
Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-3rd District), born in Scottsbluff, Scottsbluff County,
Nebraska, December 19, 1970; graduated from Gering High School, Gering, Nebraska, 1989;
attended Liberty University, Lynchburg. VA, 1989-1990; B.S., University of Nebraska, Lincoln,
Nebraska, 1993; Business Owner; Teacher; Member of the Gering, Nebraska, City Council, 1994-
1998; Member of the Nebraska State Legislature, 1999-2007; elected as a Republican to the One
Hundred Tenth and to the four succeeding Congresses (January 3, 2007-present).
Contact Information
2241 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.6435
Website: adriansmith.house.gov
Twitter: @repadriansmith
Chief of Staff: Monica Jirik, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Ways and Means
Subcommittees: Health; Trade
TRI-STATE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
Representative Brad Ashford (D-NE-2nd District), born in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska,
November 10, 1949; graduated from Westside High School, Omaha, Nebraska, 1967; B.A.,
Colgate University, Hamilton, N.Y., 1971; J.D., Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1974;
Staff, United States Senator Roman Hruska of Nebraska; Lawyer, private practice; Business
Executive; Attorney, Federal Highway Administration, 1974-1975; Hearing Examiner, Nebraska
Department of Education, 1983-1984; Judge, Nebraska Court of Industrial Relations, 1984-1986;
Member of the Nebraska State Legislature, 1987-1994; Chief Executive Officer, Omaha,
Nebraska, Housing Authority, 1998-2003; Member of the Nebraska State Legislature, 2006-2014;
elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress (January 3, 2015)
Contact Information
107 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.4155
Website: ashford.house.gov
Twitter: @BradAshford16
Chief of Staff: Tiffany Muller, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Agriculture, Armed Services
Subcommittees: Nutrition; Emerging Threats & Capabilities; Strategic Forces
Representative Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE-1st District), born in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish,
Louisiana., December 27, 1960; B.A., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1982;
M.P.P., Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., 1986; M.Th., Franciscan University, Steubenville,
Ohio, 1996; Member of the Lincoln, Nebraska, City Council, 1997-2001; Publishing Executive; elected
as a Republican to the One Hundred Ninth and to the five succeeding Congresses (January 3, 2005-
present).
Contact Information
1514 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.4806
Website: fortenberry.house.gov
Twitter: @JeffFortenberry
Chief of Staff: Margaux Matter, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Appropriations
Subcommittees: Energy & Water Development; Military Construction & Veterans Affairs; State & Foreign Operations
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), born in Huron, Beadle County, South Dakota, October 24, 1954;
B.S., South Dakota State University, 1977; Insurance and Real Estate Executive; Member of the
South Dakota State Senate 1991-2000, serving as Majority Leader 1995-2000; Governor of
South Dakota 2003-2011; elected as a Republican to the United States Senate in 2014 for the
term ending January 3, 2021.
Contact Information
502 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202.224.5842
Website: rounds.senate.gov
Twitter: @SenatorRounds
Chief of Staff: Rob Skjonsberg, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Armed Services; Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs; Environment & Public Works; Veterans’ Affairs
Subcommittees: Airland; Readiness & Management Support; Seapower; Economic Policy; Financial Institutions & Consumer
Protection; Housing, Transportation, & Community Development; Superfund; Waste Management & Regulatory Oversight (Chair),
TRI-STATE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
Senator John Thune (R-SD), born in Pierre, Hughes County, South Dakota., January 7, 1961;
graduated from Jones County High School, South Dakota, 1979; B.S., Biola University, La Mirada,
Calif., 1983; M.B.A., University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1984; Executive Director,
South Dakota State Municipal League; Board of Directors, National League of Cities; Staff, United
States Senator James Abdnor of South Dakota 1985-1986; South Dakota State Republican Party
Executive Director 1989-1991; Director, South Dakota State Railroad Division 1991-1993; Director,
South Dakota State Municipal League 1993-1996; elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Fifth
and to the two succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1997-January 3, 2003); was not a candidate for
reelection to the One Hundred Eighth Congress in 2002, but was an unsuccessful candidate for the
United States Senate; elected as a Republican to the U.S. Senate in 2004; reelected in 2010 for the
term ending January 3, 2017; Vice-Chair, Republican Conference (2009); Chair, Republican Policy
Committee (2009-2012); Chair, Republican Conference (2012-); Chair, Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation (One Hundred Fourteenth Congress).
Contact Information
511 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202.224.2321
Website: thune.senate.gov
Twitter: @johnthune
Chief of Staff: Ryan Nelson, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry; Commerce, Science & Transportation (Chair); Finance
Subcommittees: General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, & Trade; Rural Development & Energy; Livestock, Marketing, &
Agricultural Security; Taxation & IRS Oversight; International Trade, Customs, & Global Competitiveness; Energy, Natural Resources,
& Infrastructure
Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD-At Large), born in Watertown, Codington County, South Dakota,
November 30, 1971; graduated from Hamlin High School, Hayti, South Dakota, 1990; attended Mount
Marty College, Yankton, South Dakota; attended Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota,
1990-1992; B.A., South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, 2011; Farmer; Rancher;
Member of the South Dakota State House of Representatives, 2007-2010; elected as a Republican to the
One Hundred Twelfth and to the two succeeding Congresses (January 3, 2011-present).
Contact Information
2422 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.2801
Website: noem.house.gov
Twitter: @RepKristiNoem
Chief of Staff: Jordan Stoick, [email protected]
Committee Assignments: Ways & Means
Subcommittees: Human Resources; Oversight
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
SIOUXLAND CONFERENCE DELEGATION
Perla Alarcon-Flory, Sioux City Community School District
Al Aymar, FiberComm
Tami Bailey, City of South Sioux City
Lesley Bartholomew, Wells Enterprises
Capt. Kathy Barton, 185th Air Refueling Wing/Iowa Air National Guard
Kara Bentz, Morningside College
Michelle Bostinelos, SIMPCO
Kathy Bottaro, Sioux City Community School District
Kris Brown
Tim Brown, Brown Wegher Construction
David Carney, City of Sioux City
Ted Cherry, City of North Sioux City
Col. Larry Christensen, 185th Air Refueling Wing/Iowa Air National Guard
Carol Clark, City of Sergeant Bluff
Brian Crichton, Cannon Moss Brygger Architects
Lesa Cropley, City of North Sioux City
Josh Doering, Morningside College
Jeff Dooley, Dakota Dunes CID
Robert Dover, The Dover Companies
Lance Ehmcke, Heidman Law Firm
Beth Freeburg, University of South Dakota
Paul Gausman, Sioux City Community School District
David Gleiser, Woodbury County
Jim Gobell, UnityPoint Health - St Luke's
Michaela Goergen, Morningside College
Jeff Hanson, City of Sioux City
John Hantla, Goodwill of the Great Plains
Lance Hedquist, City of South Sioux City
Stephen Huber, Morningside College
Darrell Jesse, Crary Law Firm
62nd Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference
Linda Kalin, Iowa Poison Control Center
Aaron Lincoln, City of Sergeant Bluff
Araceli Lopez, Sioux City Community School District
Rick Mach, City of Sioux City
Chris McGowan, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
Dennis Melstad, Dakota Dunes CID
Kory Menken, The Siouxland Initiative
Pam Miller, College Center
Curt Miller, SIMPCO
Terry Murrell, Western Iowa Tech Community College
Rosemary O'Brien, CF Industries
Jeremy Ogle, Western Iowa Tech Community College
Bob Padmore, City of Sioux City
Bethany Pautsch, Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tammy Reiff, City of North Sioux City
Hannah Rens, Sioux City Community School District
Teresa Rosenboom, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
Col. Stephanie Samenus, 185th Air Refueling Wing/Iowa Air National Guard
Jerry Self, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst
Barbara Sloniker, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
Dave Smetter, Mercy Medical Center - Sioux City
Jackie Smith, Woodbury County
Mike Stiles, St. Luke's College - UnityPoint Health
Jeremy Taylor, Woodbury County
Garrett Thomas, Morningside College
Matthew Ung, Woodbury County
Justin Vogel, JEO Consulting Group
Jill Wanderscheid, City of Sioux City
Steve Warnstadt, Western Iowa Tech Community College
Shane Weidner, City of Norfolk, NE
Molly Williams, Morningside College
Mark Zimmerer, Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce
GUEST SPEAKER BIOS
Jon Baselice, Director, Immigration Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Jon Baselice currently serves as the Director of Immigration Policy at the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in
June 2014 and works with various Chamber
members to form policy positions for the
Chamber and he advocates for those positions
before Congress and the executive branch
agencies. Prior to his joining the Chamber, Jon
served as an advisor to Senator Rubio for 3.5
years where he held a very important position
as one of his lead immigration negotiators during the Senator’s involvement
with the Gang of 8 and his push for immigration legislation in the 113th
Congress. In addition, he served as the Senator's primary DC liaison for all
state and local government officials in the state of Florida and he advised the
Senator on various banking and housing issues.
Jon is an attorney and he is licensed to practice in the states of New York and Florida. He obtained his
J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law and he completed his undergraduate education at
Syracuse University where he majored in both Economics and Political Science.
GUEST SPEAKER BIOS
Congressman Kevin Brady, Chairman, House Ways & Means Committee (R-TX)
Congressman Kevin Brady is Chairman of the House
Ways and Means Committee - - considered by many
to be the most powerful committee in Congress with
jurisdiction over taxes, health care, Social Security,
Medicare, international trade and welfare.
A champion of free enterprise and American-made
energy, Kevin’s focus is creating jobs, reducing
Washington spending and sunsetting obsolete federal
agencies.
Kevin previously served as chairman of the influential Health
Subcommittee for the House Ways and Means Committee. As chairman,
he focused on ensuring a strong, free market in the nation's health care
industry and look for ways to increase the quality of health care, while
keeping costs low.
And as the former Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, Kevin has been a
GOP leader on economic issues – opposing the President’s stimulus and fighting White House efforts to
raise taxes on families, small businesses and American energy producers.
Until 2013, Kevin was the leader of the Trade Subcommittee and led the successful effort to pass new
sales agreements with Panama, South Korea and Colombia – and he served as the White House point
man on the successful passage of the Central American Free Trade Agreement. On the Social Security
Subcommittee, Kevin fought to preserve this important program for future generations once and for all.
Prior to his election to Congress, Kevin worked as a chamber of commerce executive for 18 years and
served six years in the Texas House of Representatives where he was named one of the Ten Best
Legislators for Families & Children. In 1994 he was named one of Five Outstanding Young Texans.
In order to stay close to the people he represents, Kevin never moved to Washington. He lives in
Montgomery County with his wife Cathy and his two sons Will (16) and Sean (13) – and has logged
nearly two million miles commuting to Congress each week.
Kevin is an original Hometown Hero of The Woodlands, a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary and a
Distinguished Alumni of the University of South Dakota. He and his family attend Saints Simons and Jude
Catholic Church.
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