Iowa is one of the best states in the nation to start or grow a business. In the past year, manufacturers like Robinson and Vermeer have invested hundreds of millions in new facilities in the Des Moines metro. At the same time, Iowa has to compete against every metro in the Midwest for the next employer — and the good-paying jobs that come with it.
Zoom in: Those business decisions — where to invest, build, hire, and grow — often come down to infrastructure. That’s why I’ve worked with our communities to deliver more than $190 million in grant and project funding across Iowa, which we built on with yesterday’s announcement in Ankeny. ⬇️
What’s new: We secured a $2.5 million federal investment to extend the runway at Ankeny Regional Airport. More room for bigger planes, more cargo, and more people moving through one of Iowa’s fastest-growing communities.
Why it matters: Infrastructure is about more than roads and bridges — it’s about opportunity. Every road rebuilt, runway expanded, bridge repaired, or interchange improved attracts new businesses, creates good-paying jobs, and makes it possible for Iowa families to build their future in the communities they call home.
Bottom Line: The goal isn’t simply to build a better runway, it’s to build a stronger future for Iowa. Every investment that brings jobs, grows local businesses, and creates new opportunities makes it easier for the next generation to build a life right here at home. I’ll keep fighting to bring Iowa’s tax dollars home to invest in our communities that deserve them.