October 15, 2024
DES MOINES, Iowa - The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) administers the State of Iowa’s allocation of federal highway safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. For the 2025 federal fiscal year, GTSB announces $11.5 Million in grant funds awarded to over 300 traffic safety partners across Iowa.
“GTSB is pleased to allocate these funds to support traffic safety partners,” says Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “Since 2019, 10,000 people have died or been seriously injured on Iowa roads. Lack of seat belt use, impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other risky driving behaviors continue to wreak havoc. These funds will be used to increase public awareness, collect data, train, and enforce. The goal is to improve safety for all road users.”
Money will be distributed to law enforcement partners for equipment, education, and enforcement projects.
“These partnerships are crucial,” says GTSB Law Enforcement Liaison Randy Kunert. “Enforcing Iowa’s traffic laws is the strongest countermeasure to deter risky driving behavior. It’s vital these agencies have necessary resources to make traffic stops.”
GTSB also awards funds to support community partners in traffic safety. The Iowa Restaurant Association uses grant funding to offer ServSafe Alcohol responsible server training. This year they’re expanding the program to include courses in Spanish. GTSB partners with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to facilitate a dedicated program coordinator in Iowa. Iowa’s Child Passenger Safety program is executed through a partnership with Blank Children’s Hospital and GTSB.
Every year, traffic safety advocates seek funding through grant applications. Agencies meeting the required data driven criteria and highway safety standards are awarded funds to support GTSB’s mission to reduce death and injury on Iowa roads. Those interested in applying should look for funding opportunities late January in Iowa Grants.
Source: Iowa DOT Crash Analysis Tool
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state, and federal government agencies and the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E. 7th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
215 E 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50319