674564 - RISE Local Development September 2026 Round
Funding Opportunity Details

Local Systems Bureau

Final Application Deadline: Sep 1, 2026 11:59 PM

Description

• RISE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS support local economic development but does not require an immediate commitment of funds (e.g., industrial parks, tourist attractions), or does not meet the immediate opportunity criteria. Local match is typically 50% of the RISE eligible costs. 

  Application deadlines for the competitive funding rounds are Feb. 1 and Sept. 1.

  GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Before preparing this application, please read the RISE program ADMINISTRATIVE RULES. The rules describe the types of funding available under the RISE program. Other sources of helpful information can be found at:
     • The RISE webpage which goes over the RISE process.
     • RISE Fact Sheet which summarizes the RISE program and requirements.
     • RISE Q and A that goes over the frequently asked questions about the RISE program.
     • RISE policies which lists the information guidelines used for the administration of RISE funds as approved by the Transportation Commission.
  2. The RISE program shall be targeted toward value-adding activities to provide maximum economic impact to the state. Value-adding activities feed new dollars into the economy. As these dollars are circulated, the state experiences economic growth. Residential and retail development, local government facilities, local public schools, locally oriented business services, commercial and personal services are generally not value-adding activities and will rarely meet the intent of the program. However, value-adding activities could include industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and professional office (non-personal service) developments.
  3. A contingency may be placed on the project. Typically, it ranges from majority to 100% RISE eligible development in the committed area. The contingency will be monitored and remain in place up to 20 years after the roadway is open to traffic.
  4. Please note that all information supplied to the DOT through this application and questions after are public information and cannot be held confidential.
  5. This application form is for Competitive Rating Local Development projects. Competitive Rating funding is intended for those projects which do not require an immediate commitment of funds or which cannot meet the criteria for Immediate Opportunity funding. Projects must compete against other Local Development projects in a process conducted semi-annually.
  6. Only city and county governments may apply for Local Development funds. Cities and counties may apply for RISE funds for use on city street, secondary road, or primary road projects. Joint applications submitted by two or more local governments must specify a lead agency and list all participating jurisdictions. The application should be signed by the mayor or chairperson of the board of supervisors of the local government submitting the application.
  7. If the proposed project will include improvements to a primary road (Iowa DOT jurisdiction) or if the proposed project will provide ingress/egress to/from a primary road, the applicant is required to contact the responsible Iowa DOT District Office and inquire about Work in ROW permit and access requirements. If the District office will require a traffic impact study to determine appropriate improvements on the primary roadway required by the proposed project, this study must be completed and reviewed to the satisfaction of the District office before a RISE application will be considered by the Iowa Transportation Commission.
  8. The completed application form and information must be clear, concise and accurate.
  9. Incomplete applications will not be considered by the Transportation Commission for funding, but may be completed and resubmitted. All information submitted as part of this application, as well as any additional information requested by the Department, will be used to evaluate the application. The information will not routinely be supplied to persons outside the Department.
  10. Applications may be submitted at any time. Complete applications must be received by the Department no later than February 1 or September 1 in order to be considered in the current round of applications. Applications received after a deadline will be held for consideration in the next programming cycle.
  11. Complete applications will be reviewed and forwarded to the Commission for a funding commitment decision within a reasonable period of time after the application deadline. An application considered but not funded in one cycle must be updated and resubmitted by the applicant if it is to be considered in a subsequent cycle.
  12. Applications for Competitive Rating funding will be evaluated on five factors. The following is a brief description of each of the factors.
      • Development Potential – In assessing development potential the Iowa DOT will consider the current status of, and potential for, the economic development project associated with the RISE-funded roadway. Economic development includes business, industry, parks, and recreational or tourism activities.
      • Economic Impact – In assessing economic impact the Iowa DOT will consider the number of permanent direct and indirect “multiplier” jobs that will be created or retained, the number of visitors that will be attracted, the total capital investment, the amount of private participation in the roadway project, and the size of the development area served. Economic impact measures will be considered in proportion to the amount of RISE funds requested.
      • Local Commitment and Initiative – In assessing local commitment and initiative the Iowa DOT will consider what efforts have been made to plan for and attract economic development, whether or not arrangements have been made for non-roadway factors (such as zoning, utilities, and labor force training) critical to the success of the development, the amount of local participation in the roadway project, and whether the applicant has used available marketing services, such as the Iowa Department of Economic Development’s Community Economic Preparedness Program and Community Quick Reference Guide.
      • Transportation Need – In assessing transportation need, the Iowa DOT will consider the information included in local plans or programs, and the distance of the city or county from the interstate system and other major highways.
      • Area Economic Need – In assessing economic need the Iowa DOT will consider recent changes in local population and employment, the level of unemployment, and the local tax effort compared with the local tax capacity. No information is required from the application concerning area economic need.

  THE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (above) ARE FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY.

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