Intra-Industry Trade, Multilateral Trade Integration, and Invasive Species Risk, December 2006

We analyze the linkage between protectionism and invasive species (IS) hazard in the context of two-way trade and multilateral trade integration, two major features of real-world agricultural trade. Multilateral integration includes the joint reduction of tariffs and trade costs among trading partners. Multilateral trade integration is more likely to increase damages from IS than predicted by unilateral trade opening under the classic Heckscher-Ohlin-Samuelson (HOS) framework because domestic production (the base susceptible to damages) is likely to increase with expanding export markets. A country integrating its trade with a partner characterized by relatively higher tariff and trade costs is also more likely to experience increased IS damages via expanded domestic production for the same reason. We illustrate our analytical results with a stylized model of the world wheat market.

Tariff Equivalent of Technical Barriers to Trade with Imperfect Substitution and Trade Costs, November 2005

The price-wedge method yields a tariff-equivalent estimate of technical barriers to trade (TBT). An extension of this method accounts for imperfect substitution between domestic and imported goods and incorporates recent findings on trade costs. We explore the sensitivity of this revamped TBT estimate to its key determinants (substitution elasticity, preference for home good, and trade cost). We use the augmented approach to investigate the ongoing US-Japan apple trade dispute and find that removing the Japanese TBT would yield limited export gains to the United States. We then draw policy implications of our findings.

Evaluation of the State Highway System and Road Use Tax Fund (RUTF), 2003

This report was prepared by a committee of city, county and state representatives. The committee met throughout 2002 with the purpose of reviewing and making recommendations to improve the efficiency and operation of Iowa's road and street system. This report is referenced in SF 451 and in Code Section 306.8A.

Parking for Person With Disabilities, June 16, 2010

Persons with disabilities may find it challenging to fully use and enjoy their dwelling without adequate accessible parking. The State of Iowa has specific laws and regulations regarding accessible parking for persons with disabilities. Iowa Code Chapter 321L (1990); 661Iowa Admin. Code Chapter 18 (321L) (2010). In addition, there are state and federal fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination in parking for persons with disabilities – the federal “Fair Housing Act,” the “Americans with Disabilities Act” (ADA), and the “Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965.” 42 U.S.C. §§ 3600- 3620; 42 U.S.C. § 12101; and Iowa Code Chapter 216. It may at times be challenging for a housing provider to fully understand and correctly apply all of these laws to their particular off-street parking situations and needs; however, by reviewing these laws and answering certain key questions, this paper will assist providers in achieving greater understanding and help insure greater compliance with these laws.