Jefferson County to receive $480,800 federal Safe Streets grant shared with nearby cities; county says local cost minimal

Planning and Zoning Director Stephan Metzger told the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 29, 2025, that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded Jefferson County $480,800 for a Safe Streets for All project that will be a regional effort involving the county and the cities of Meriden, Oskaloosa, Winchester and McLouth.

"The County’s out of pocket will be virtually nothing," Metzger said, according to the minutes. The minutes note that Perry is "looking into their own funding" and that the city of Ozawkie "was not interested at this time." Metzger characterized the USDOT communication as a guarantee of federal funding for the county and the named cities.

The minutes do not specify the project scope, timeline, grant match requirements, or how the funds will be allocated among the participating jurisdictions. They also do not record a formal motion tied to the grant award; Metzger reported receipt of the email and the board took no recorded vote on acceptance. The board adjourned after the discussion and scheduled its next regular meeting for Jan. 5, 2026.