The Des Moines River runs through the heart of our capital city — but for too long, it’s been something we drive over, not somewhere to spend an afternoon with your family. This week, we took a big step to change that.
What’s new: We secured another $2 million federal investment to expand the ICON Water Trails with new public access and recreational improvements at both Birdland and Prospect Park.
Why it matters: This investment will make the river more accessible for kayakers, anglers, families, and visitors while strengthening the shoreline and trails against repeated flooding and erosion. At the same time, it advances the clean water and conservation goals at the heart of the ICON plan — helping ensure the river is not only easier to enjoy, but healthier and more resilient for years to come.
It’s an economic engine too. A riverfront people actually use to support the restaurants, hotels, and shops around it — turning more visitors into more customers, and giving employers one more reason to choose Central Iowa.
The big picture: This is the second federal investment we’ve delivered for ICON Water Trails. Altogether, we’ve delivered $3 million to make Central Iowa’s waterways safer and more accessible for families and visitors alike.
Bottom Line: The Des Moines River should be one of Central Iowa’s greatest destinations — a place where families make memories, visitors explore, and local businesses grow. We’re opening more of it to the public and making sure it’s built to last, and I’ll keep fighting in Washington to make more of these projects a reality.