Visitors to downtown Perry likely have already noticed the Progressive Foundry expansion project that has blocked off the section of 2nd Street between Bateman and Rawson streets. What they may not know is how close the City of Perry is to an exciting project to improve those very streets.

Perry Community and Economic Development Director Mike Fastenau says the reconstruction of Bateman Street was brought to the front of the line in regards to city projects once the Foundry project was approved. He describes what the work entails and its benefit to Perry. “We’ll do a couple of things, certainly put down an improved surface for truck traffic and residential traffic. Also we’ll make things safer in turning corners and those types of things, because those streets are built back in the 30’s and standards in the 30’s. It will take some of that traffic off of Bateman, and allow it to not occur on the public thoroughfare. But it overall will make it a much more attractive area and a safer area for citizens.”

Fastenau notes the City is hopeful to present the project for bids early this fall, which would put it on a timetable to be finished by spring or summer of 2021. The work is being paid in part through a Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and the City has a few other active grant applications that would offset further costs. To learn more about this and other Perry economic development topics, click the link below to listen to the Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Fastenau.

https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2020/06/18/lets-talk-dallas-county-6-18-2020-mike-fastenau/