The Iowa Transportation Commission approved a grant today for the city of Washington to extend portions of two local roads and build turn lanes on Highway one on the south side of town to open up access to an industrial area.

City Administrator, Brent Hinson, talked to the commission prior to their vote. “We think that this is a critical project for Washington’s future development. Currently we don’t have any industrial lots available for sale,” Hinson says.

He says the project is good for a variety of reasons. “It will also be the first phase of a road that will connect the whole southwest quadrant of the town. Currently there is not route between the southern part of town and Highway One,” Hinson says.

The commission approved a grant of 581,784 dollars — half of the project. The city will provide the rest of the funding.