The White Pole Road Development Corporation is looking to expand their impact farther than the 26 mile stretch from Adair to Dexter.
The Corp
oration is currently discussing plans to utilize the Stuart Depot in collaboration with the City of Stuart and the Stuart Enterprise for Economic Development. They would ultimately like to use the space as a welcome center to draw tourists to the road.
Former Governor Terry Branstad recently recognized the White Pole Road as an official Iowa Byway. WPRDC co-founder Liz Gilman sees this distinction as a cornerstone of appeal for tourists. “Becoming an official Byway was a huge step for us. With all of our volunteering and hard work, this is wonderful. It’s been a great journey to get here.”
Following a recent inspection, at least 70 poles require repainting and at least 34 are not painted. Each pole costs $15 to repaint. The Corporation has conducted some fundraisers, but the proceeds have not been enough to cover pole upkeep and advertising for the road.
Check out their website below for more information, supplemental travel materials, and other on-the-road activities.