Nunn Hosts Transportation Secretary Duffy in Des Moines, Highlights Airport & DART Modernization

"Iowans deserve an airport and a transit system that are safe, modern, and built for the families who depend on them," said Rep. Nunn . "Secretary Duffy has been a true partner in getting it done, and the federal dollars we secured together are already going to work in our communities to make travel safer and easier for families across central Iowa."

"This Administration cares about enhancing the travel experience for Iowa families," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy . "That means everything from investing millions to overhaul DSM's air traffic control system to supporting family friendly infrastructure in the terminal. Iowans are lucky to have a representative in Congress as passionate as Zach Nunn who fought hard to pass the Working Families Tax Cut Act and make these critical investments a reality."

At the Des Moines International Airport, Rep. Nunn and Secretary Duffy put on hard hats to walk through the new terminal taking shape on Fleur Drive, stopping to see the family-friendly features built into the design. The new terminal is backed by more than $100 million in federal investment through the Federal Aviation Administration, according to the Des Moines Airport Authority. Separately, the airport is receiving $26 million through the Working Families Tax Cut to modernize its air traffic control system, part of the FAA's $12.5 billion nationwide effort to replace aging air traffic control systems.

"The new terminal represents a once-in-a-generation investment in the future of air travel for Central Iowa," said Des Moines Airport Authority CEO Brian Mulcahy . "The federal funds awarded to the Des Moines Airport Authority by the Federal Aviation Administration, with the support of Secretary Duffy and Congressman Zach Nunn, are helping us create a more family-friendly travel experience through features such as family restrooms, lactation rooms, companion care spaces, and improved accessibility accommodations. These investments will make traveling through Des Moines International Airport more comfortable, convenient, and welcoming for families and travelers of all abilities."

Rep. Nunn and Secretary Duffy then toured DART's new Operations and Maintenance Facility, where a $20 million federal investment through the Federal Transit Administration's Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program is funding the facility's second phase, including new bus storage, training space, and a modern bus wash, fueling station, and body shop. The visit came days after DART launched a new, more efficient bus network on June 14 that now provides more than 12,000 rides on a typical weekday across central Iowa.

"Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and this facility was built to give them the tools and workspace they need to keep DART running safely and efficiently every day," said DART CEO Erin Hockman . "We were pleased to show Congressman Nunn and Secretary Duffy how federal investments are delivering real results-modernizing our operations and supporting our workforce, which strengthens our ability to help people get to work, provide for their families and stay connected to the people and places that matter most."

Photos from the visits are available here and here.