Preparing for the Future of Transportation in Pottawattamie County

Posted August 22, 2025
Posted by Board of Supervisors and Public Relations

What will it look like to travel around Pottawattamie County in the year 2050? That’s the big question behind the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) presented to the Board of Supervisors this week by the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA). 

The plan, which is updated every five years, takes a long view at how roads, bridges, trails, and transit can support the needs of our growing communities while keeping people safe and connected. The next update is due in November 2025 and will guide transportation priorities for Harrison, Mills, Shelby, and the urbanized portion of Pottawattamie County. 

What Does the Plan Focus On? 

MAPA’s updated goals for 2050 highlight issues that matter to both rural and urban residents: 

• Safety First: Making roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians 

• More Options: Expanding access to transit, trails, and other travel choices 

• Strong Infrastructure: Keeping roads and bridges in good shape while preparing for flooding and other natural challenges 

• Economic Growth: Ensuring transportation supports businesses, tourism, and agriculture 

• Smart Growth: Aligning new development with sustainable transportation upgrades 

What It Means for Pottawattamie County 

Local priorities highlighted in the plan include: 

• Improving roadway safety by building on recent SS4A planning to reduce crashes and address speeding, narrow lanes, limited shoulders, and gaps for people walking and biking.

• Maintaining rural roads and bridges that keep farms and small towns connected 

• Tackling flood-prone areas with drainage and culvert improvements 

• Supporting SWITA’s door-to-door rural transit service, especially for older adults and non-drivers 

• Building safer walking and biking connections near schools and small towns 

• Coordinating transportation improvements with growth along I-80 and nearby communities like Treynor and Underwood 

Funding Opportunities on the Horizon 

Along with the plan update, MAPA shared information about several grant programs that could bring new investment to the county: 

• Recreational Trails Grants: For building or improving public trail systems (expected award date October 2025 for the state portion, federal portion open for applications until October 1, 2025) 

• Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program: Federal funds to help rural communities plan and design transportation projects (application window September 8 - October 8, 2025) 

• Transportation Alternatives Program: Funding for trails, Safe Routes to School, and other community-focused projects (applications expected to be open October 10, 2025 – January 30, 2026) 

How Can Residents Get Involved? 

Public input will shape the final version of the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan. Residents are invited to share feedback through September 8 to ensure local needs are reflected in the regional strategy, which is being finalized in November 2025.

For more information or to stay updated, visit mapacog.org/reports/rpa18-2050lrtp/, email [email protected], or call (402) 444-6866 ext. 3225. 

Helping residents access resources starts with strong community partnerships. If your nonprofit or community organization would like to share information or resources with the public by presenting at a Board of Supervisors meeting, please reach out to Kate Gerber at 712-328-5898.