Coalition's strategy works

For years, an annual expedition to Washington, D.C., by area leaders has helped keep the momentum going on federal funding for local projects.

Once again, members of the Cedar Valley Coalition (18 people this year) are now meeting with Iowa's congressional delegation and federal agency staffs as part of its annual lobbying effort at the nation's Capitol.

There are more than 20 projects on this year's wish list, but the top two priorities are the same as the past few years. That includes completing reconstruction of U.S. Highway 63 from U.S. Highway 218 north to Donald Street and continued development of the Cedar Valley TechWorks campus.

"Clearly our top two priority projects remain the same," said coalition administrator Steve Firman. "But we think the projects are further along. TechWorks has a more defined vision this year of where it wants to go and is asking for more specific pieces.

"We've got a lot of projects," he added. "But we recognize that congressionally directed funding is being cut back, so we've prioritized our requests for them."

Good strategy.

Prior to the formation of the Cedar Valley Coalition, requests from the Cedar Valley were disjointed, displaying a lack of cohesion that didn't pay dividends. That's understandable. When it comes to federal funding, everyone wants some money for projects that hit close to home for them.

Since the mid- to late 1990s, that's changed.

Over that time, the coalition has polished its planning process and presentation skills. Members have found that presenting a united front, with clear priorities is what's best for the Cedar Valley as a whole.

The city of Waterloo is asking for $13.9 million to help complete the $37 million reconstruction of U.S. 63. TechWorks, the regional "bio-economy" campus to combine ag-based research, technology and manufacturing efforts in former John Deere Westfield Avenue site buildings, is seeking $16.7 million for a variety of projects.

While presenting a united coalition of this type can help open doors, it's not an easy task for so many people to come to a consensus on such important projects.

The coalition's list is a responsible one, particularly the two top priorities which could go a long way in continuing economic growth in the Cedar Valley - and boosting a national priority to find alternatives to petroleum products.

We appreciate the effort of this coalition, in its contining goal to secure funding for important projects in the Cedar Valley.