DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced that he secured a $1 million federal investment in improvements to the Fleur Drive Dam in Des Moines as part of a major economic development project for the region.

“The ICON Water Trails Project will bring huge economic growth to our community,” said Rep. Nunn. “That’s why we secured a $1 million federal investment to support the improvements of the Fleur Drive Dam. With this funding, ICON Water Trails will be able to conduct a dam remediation project while adding site access for fishermen and kayakers to the greater Des Moines area. This is exactly the kind of investment the federal government should make – one that does the most good for the most people.”

Rep. Nunn secured the $1 million investment through the Community Project Funding process, which allows members to designate funding for critical initiatives. The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 that was signed into law on Saturday, March 9, 2024.

“ICON Water Trails is incredibly grateful to Congressman Nunn for his leadership and vision, advocating for critical infrastructure that serves our community,” said Stephanie Oppel, Executive Director of ICON Water Trails. “ICON’s Fleur Drive access point will not only transform the existing dam and recreational experience, but will also contribute to a healthy, thriving drinking water source for more than a half a million Central Iowa residents.”

The ICON Water Trails Project includes three downtown dam mitigation projects and three downtown park projects in Des Moines that will drive economic growth, job creation, and tourism for all of Polk County. A key component of the project is the transformation of the low-head dam at Fleur Drive into a hub of water-based recreation. Rep. Nunn secured $1 million for the Fleur Drive Dam work, which is expected to be completed in 2026.

Rep. Nunn announced the new funding investment during a press conference at the site with Stephanie Oppel, Executive Director of ICON Water Trails, and Rick Tollakson, a member of the ICON Board of Directors. Video from the press conference can be found here.

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