Uses and Benefits of Aviation in Iowa: Executive Summary, 2009

Air transportation is a key contributor to Iowa’s economy. The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation developed this 2009 report to evaluate and analyze the uses and benefits of aviation in Iowa. The statewide economic impact study shows how aviation serves as an economic engine, documents various ways air transportation is used in Iowa, and discusses other benefits that air transportation supports. Aviation related economic benefits measured in this study fall into two categories. In one category, benefits are measured in terms of jobs, payroll, and annual economic activity that various aviation and air transportation groups support. In the other category, added efficiency that businesses realize from their use of aviation is estimated in terms of increased productivity. Many of the economic benefits identified in this study are associated with commercial and general aviation airports that serve communities throughout Iowa. Beyond the boundaries of the airports are other aviation related activities that also add significant value to Iowa’s economy. Both types of economic benefit are discussed in this summary report.

Curb it-Click it Electronic Communication Devices Prohibited Uses While Driving

This brochure explains Iowa's laws concerning the use of cell phones and other electronic communication devices while driving.

Biofuel Co-Product Uses for Pavement Geo-Materials Stabilization, TR-582, 2010

The production and use of biofuels has increased in the present context of sustainable development. Biofuel production from plant biomass produces not only biofuel or ethanol but also co-products containing lignin, modified lignin, and lignin derivatives. This research investigated the utilization of lignin-containing biofuel co-products (BCPs) in pavement soil stabilization as a new application area. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the performance and the moisture susceptibility of two types of BCP-treated soil samples compared to the performance of untreated and traditional stabilizer-treated (fly ash) soil samples. The two types of BCPs investigated were (1) a liquid type with higher lignin content (co-product A) and (b) a powder type with lower lignin content (co-product B). Various additive combinations (co-product A and fly ash, co-products A and B, etc.) were also evaluated as alternatives to stand-alone co-products. Test results indicate that BCPs are effective in stabilizing the Iowa Class 10 soil classified as CL or A-6(8) and have excellent resistance to moisture degradation. Strengths and moisture resistance in comparison to traditional additives (fly ash) could be obtained through the use of combined additives (co-product A + fly ash; co-product A + co-product B). Utilizing BCPs as a soil stabilizer appears to be one of the many viable answers to the profitability of the bio-based products and the bioenergy business. Future research is needed to evaluate the freeze-thaw durability and for resilient modulus characterization of BCP-modified layers for a variety of pavement subgrade and base soil types. In addition, the long-term performance of these BCPs should be evaluated under actual field conditions and traffic loadings. Innovative uses of BCP in pavement-related applications could not only provide additional revenue streams to improve the economics of biorefineries, but could also serve to establish green road infrastructures.