BOONE, Iowa—Boone City representatives were successful in getting approval for a RISE Grant to facilitate an extension of Hancock Drive to serve the Daisy site on the southeast side of the city. The following information was released by the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Up to $5,775,530 from the city share of the RISE Fund was approved to assist in the construction of approximately 1,700 feet of Hancock Drive including turn lanes and a traffic signal at the intersection of Corporal Roger Snedden Drive and Hancock Drive as well as a multi-lane roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Corporal Roger Snedden Drive all located on the southeast side of town. These improvements are necessary to provide access to the proposed site of Daisy Brands, a manufacturer of soft dairy products. The project will support the commitment of the creation of 217 new full-time jobs out of 255 RISE eligible created jobs and almost $730 million in associated capital investment.  This roadway will also provide improved access to additional economic development in the area. The Hancock Drive project is anticipated to be completed by November 2026 and the schedule of the U.S. 30 roundabout project is under development.

The RISE program was established to promote economic development in Iowa through construction or improvement of roads and streets. Iowa cities and counties are eligible for funding in the form of a grant, loan, or combination thereof. Projects must involve construction or improvement of a public roadway. There are two RISE project types: 1) Immediate Opportunity, and 2) Local Development. More information is available at https://iowadot.gov/systems_planning/Grant-Programs/Revitalize-Iowas-Sound-Economy-RISE-Program.