County-State Traffic Engineering Program (C-STEP)

The County-State Traffic Engineering Program (C-STEP) is administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation with the specific aim of addressing traffic operation and safety issues on primary roads located outside incorporated cities in Iowa. This program is part of the state's broader effort to improve roadway conditions and enhance public safety across county jurisdictions. It is grounded in collaborative funding between the state and Iowa’s counties, enabling targeted engineering solutions to safety concerns on critical infrastructure not within municipal boundaries. Eligible applicants for this program are limited exclusively to Iowa counties. To qualify for funding, a county must engineer and administer the proposed project, and improvements must be situated on a primary road outside any city limits. The program is structured around two distinct project types: spot improvements and linear improvements. Spot improvements involve enhancements at single, discrete locations with a funding structure that requires a 45 percent county match and 55 percent state contribution. Linear improvements apply when a more extensive approach is needed; here, the county's matching percentage depends on whether the county or the state retains jurisdiction after project completion—counties that accept jurisdiction contribute 40 percent, whereas projects remaining under state jurisdiction require a 70 percent county match. All project proposals must be accompanied by an engineering analysis of the identified problem area. Counties can conduct this analysis internally or through the Iowa Traffic Engineering Assistance Program (TEAP). References to established engineering standards such as the DOT’s Brown Design Manual (for turning lane warrants) and the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (for traffic signals) are encouraged when applicable. Applications must be submitted as letters of request, accompanied by a sketch and a detailed cost estimate. There is no formal application form or portal; submissions are evaluated directly by DOT staff. Regarding funding caps, the program provides up to $200,000 for spot improvements. For linear improvements, funding is based on project type and post-project jurisdiction. Rehabilitation projects under state jurisdiction may receive up to $45,000 per mile, and reconstruction up to $75,000 per mile. Conversely, counties that accept jurisdiction may receive up to $90,000 per mile for rehabilitation and up to $150,000 per mile for reconstruction. There is no fixed application deadline for this program; counties may submit their requests year-round. Following submission, applicants can expect a review and decision process of approximately 90 days. All submitted project plans and specifications undergo a review by DOT to ensure alignment with program standards and objectives. Final approval decisions are made by DOT staff based on project viability, safety impact, and completeness of documentation. Counties interested in applying are advised to contact the appropriate Iowa DOT district engineer for more information and to coordinate submissions. There is no public-facing PDF or digital application form associated with the program at this time; communication and application occur via direct correspondence. As such, counties should prepare detailed proposals and ensure technical readiness before submission to facilitate efficient review and approval processes.