Ames is planning on building an overpass of Dayton Ave over the Union Pacific rail line using, in part, $1.5 million of Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program money. According to Paul Wiegand, Director, Ames Public Works Department, this is justified as "you don't have vehicles sitting and waiting at the railroad crossing. . . you are improving the air in that area" (Lewis, R. Dayton overpass will help clean air. Ames Tribune, 10/27/2000). I agree with Wiegand's assessment, but question the cost-benefit ratio of this use of these funds. 1) I suspect that the amount of air pollution from vehicle time waiting to cross at this location produces only a modest amount of pollution. 2) I suspect that this specific pollution, due to its location, has relatively less environmental impact than a similar situation say in Davenport. 3) I suspect that the $1.5 million spent elsewhere could have a far greater impact on air pollution. and extending my speculation still further. . . 4) I suspect that air pollution from gravel roads (dust), some agricultural practices (dust, ammonia, NOx), and urban sprawl (more traffic) has far more impact on Ames' and Story County's air quality than vehicles waiting at train crossings. Can anyone on this list confirm or allay these suspicions? What are the most important air pollution sources in Iowa? What are the criteria for using funds from the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program? Is this a typical use of these funds? How much money is available? Where do these funds come from? What kinds of projects is it being used for? Who monitors the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program? My concern is that this funding is not being used in the most cost effective manner. If road projects are typical it could actually be causing more problems with urban sprawl and more vehicle miles (not an issue in this case). Any help would be appreciated. Eric G. Hurley * * * * * * * * * * Eric G. Hurley 106 7th Street Ames IA 50010-6340 515/232-2568 [log in to unmask] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]