The committee released designs of the project. The map lays out where new sidewalks would be connected to existing sidewalks. Proposed traffic lights are also highlighted on the map along with businesses and recreation areas. For more information regarding donations or the project, please visit ConnectTamaToledo.com.

There’s a major infrastructure project aimed at improving pedestrian safety and connectivity within the community coming to fruition. The Safe Routes to School Grant project seeks to address longstanding concerns about unsafe crossings, incomplete sidewalks, and limited designated walking paths for both students and residents.

The Hometown Action Team (formerly the Tama-Toledo Visioning Committee) has been spearheading this initiative, which has been in the planning stages for the past four years. Now, entering its action phase, with a major push to secure funding and putting the idea into action

The proposed project will establish continuous and accessible sidewalks along high-traffic routes used by students. The plan includes developing sidewalks that will link residential areas to schools and recreational spaces, as well as adding additional safety enhancements such as a pedestrian stop light at 15th Street and Highway 63.

In order to receive the Safe Routes to School Grant, surveys had to be conducted painting a clear picture of the project’s value. The 2023 survey of South Tama County (STC) school parents revealed that 94% of them do not allow their children to walk or bike to school due to unsafe road conditions. Currently, 81 students walk to school and 13 bike, while 585 students are driven by car and 520 rely on buses. In contrast, 1,080 students live within two miles of a school, demonstrating a strong need for improved pedestrian infrastructure.

The Safe Routes to School project aims to encourage more students to walk or bike by improving safety, thereby reducing reliance on cars and buses while promoting a healthier lifestyle for residents.

The initiative consists of three key segments:

McClellan Street Trail Connection: A sidewalk will connect to an existing trail near the Toledo Aquatic Center, providing a safer alternative to walking along the busy two-lane McClellan Street.

15th Street Sidewalk Extension: A new sidewalk will be constructed along one side of 15th Street, ultimately connecting to the STC Elementary and High School, both located west of Highway 63.

Middle School Connection: A sidewalk will extend to the new STC Middle School, ensuring a continuous and safe pedestrian route between Tama and Toledo.

Additionally, the project aims to install a pedestrian stoplight at the Highway 63 and 15th Street intersection, pending approval of a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).

Members of the Hometown Action Team smile with Sue Carnahan of Lincoln Savings Bank after receiving 5,000 towards the project.

Funding the vision

The total cost of the sidewalk project is estimated at $752,856, with the DOT covering 80% ($602,284) and the local community responsible for raising a 20% match of $150,572. If the HSIP grant is secured, an additional $30,000 will be needed to cover engineering costs for the pedestrian stop light. Factoring in potential material cost increases, the total fundraising goal stands at $216,686, with a deadline of October 2025.

To meet this goal, the Hometown Action Team has launched a fundraising campaign. Two subcommittees are reaching out to local businesses and STC alumni, while STC schools are organizing student-led fundraising activities, including:

Elementary School: Step-a-Thon

Middle School: Dance and dodgeball fundraiser

High School: Class fundraising challenge, with a special reward for the winning class at a school assembly

The Committee has a plan in place for fundraising, using a three-pronged approach. The first is grant applications using resources from ISU, Trees Forever, and Region 6. The team is also applying for grants from organizations such as the Black Hawk Gaming Association, Guernsey Foundation, Mansfield Foundation, and the Tama County Community Foundation. A $5,000 grant was already secured from Lincoln Savings Bank. Secondly, the group is approaching area businesses and service organizations. Thirdly, the group is asking individuals and alumni for contributions.

The project has received endorsements from the City of Toledo, Tama County Economic Development, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, the STC School District, and the STC Rec Board. The City of Tama has agreed to serve as the project’s fiscal agent, with the expectation that the majority of the matching funds will be raised before signing contracts in October 2025.

The project is a testament to the power of community collaboration. By working together, Tama and Toledo can take significant steps toward ensuring safer and more accessible routes for students and residents. To learn more or contribute to the fundraising efforts, visit ConnectTamaToledo.com

Members of the Hometown Action Team include Lori Baier, Denise Fletcher, Trudy Koch, Mark McFate, Karen Mixdorf, Shelly Riley, Warren Riley, Jeff Shaw, Larry Thomas and Dorothy Zmolek.