ITC Midwest Awards $5,000 Grant to Support Safe Routes to School Network in Tama and Toledo
July 23, 2025 | ITC Midwest
TAMA, Iowa (July 23, 2025) — ITC Midwest has awarded a $5,000 Power of Connection grant to the City of Tama, fiscal agent for the Hometown Action Team, to support the Safe Routes to School Network for the cities of Tama and Toledo. These funds will help advance a community-driven initiative to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity for students and residents alike.
Collaboration between the Iowa Living Roadways Community Visioning program and the Hometown Action Team identified the need for a continuous sidewalk network and safe highway crossings as a top priority. The cities of Tama and Toledo are divided by two major highways— Highway 63 and Highway 30—and lack a complete sidewalk system, has been a long-time concern for children walking to school.
In an effort to create a safe solution, the community secured both a Safe Routes to School grant and a Highway Safety Improvement Program grant. These will fund the completion of a sidewalk network and the installation of a pedestrian-activated crossing light at Highway 63.
“This project is a major step forward in making our community safer and more accessible,” said Hometown Action Team representative Karen Mixdorf. “By connecting schools, parks, and essential services, we’re creating a healthier, more walkable environment for everyone.”
The completed route will link the new middle school in Toledo to the high school and elementary school in Tama, passing through key community areas such as Oak Park, the aquatic center, and the business district. With limited public transportation options, this infrastructure will provide critical access for residents who rely on walking to reach schools, grocery stores, banks, and other services.
“The Safe Routes to School Network is a powerful example of how local vision and collaboration can lead to meaningful change,” said ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry. “We’re proud to support this initiative that enhances safety, promotes wellness, and strengthens community connections in Tama and Toledo.”
About the Power of Connection Program
The Power of Connection community grant program is an initiative of ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC). This innovative economic development program is designed to pair rural communities seeking assistance with IRDC resource teams. Those teams drive both community conversations and solution development for problems or projects.
Communities eligible for the Power of Connection program must have populations of under 10,000 and be outside of a metropolitan area. Power of Connection grant dollars cannot be used for construction, real estate or equipment.
About ITC Midwest
ITC Midwest LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. ITC Midwest is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and maintains regional operating facilities in Dubuque, Iowa City and Perry, Iowa; and Albert Lea and Lakefield, Minnesota. For further information visit www.itcmidwest.com. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.
Media Contacts:
Bill Menner, Executive Director, Iowa Rural Development Council
director@iowardc.org or 641-990-4757
Darcy Moulin, Lead Communications Specialist, ITC Midwest
dmoulin@itctransco.com or 319-297-6837