The City of Ames has been awarded a $500,000 planning grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, supporting the next phase of downtown transportation and infrastructure planning.
The grant will fund planning and preliminary design work for the project titled “Multi-Modal Downtown Transit Hub in the City of Ames: Enhancing Downtown Access and Safety.” This initiative will explore the feasibility of a multimodal transit hub in downtown Ames, including the potential development of a parking structure on the city-owned lot behind Wells Fargo on the west end of Main Street.
The project is designed to support the continued growth and redevelopment of downtown Ames and the Lincoln Way Corridor, improving access, connectivity, and safety for residents, businesses, and visitors. By evaluating parking needs and integrating multiple modes of transportation, the study will help position Ames for long-term economic vitality and a more efficient downtown experience.
This effort directly aligns with the Downtown Ames: A Guiding Vision plan, which calls for strategic investments that enhance accessibility, support redevelopment, and create a more vibrant, connected downtown district. The proposed transit hub reflects those priorities by improving mobility options while supporting increased density and activity in the core of the community.
“This investment is a meaningful step forward for downtown Ames and the region as a whole,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “It reflects a shared vision for a more accessible, connected, and economically vibrant downtown. By leveraging federal resources, we are able to advance local priorities that support workforce, business growth, and quality of place in Ames.”
This local investment is part of a broader $54.2 million federal funding package awarded to 49 projects nationwide through the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program. The program, administered by the Build America Bureau, supports critical early-stage infrastructure development in rural and tribal communities, helping advance projects that improve mobility, safety, and economic opportunity.
With nearly 800 applications submitted nationwide and funding requests far exceeding available dollars, the selection of Ames underscores the strength of the project and its potential impact.
City leaders note that this opportunity builds on regional collaboration and insights gained from recent intercity visits, demonstrating how strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing can translate into meaningful investment for the community.
Planning efforts are expected to begin in the coming months, with findings helping guide future decisions on downtown infrastructure and development.