Bison Bridge Foundation Urges Supporters to Attend Upcoming Department of Transportation Public Meeting
November 13, 2023
[Quad Cities IL/IA | November 13, 2023] – The Bison Bridge Foundation is rallying the community and all I-80 bridge enthusiasts to join an important virtual public meeting scheduled for November 15 at 4 PM CST. The Illinois and Iowa Departments of Transportation (DOT) will present their plans for the new I-80 Bridge, which crosses the mighty Mississippi River.
The Bison Bridge Foundation, an organization on a mission to preserve and repurpose the current I-80 Bridge to transform it into a unique land bridge and public park space for pedestrians and bison, urges the public to participate in this critical meeting. This is your opportunity to voice your support for a one-of-a-kind initiative that can enhance the local environment and create a lasting legacy for the Quad Cities region.
Event Details:
Date and Time: November 15, 4 PM CST
Location: Online Virtual Meeting
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/public-meeting-4
The future of the current I-80 Bridge is at a pivotal crossroads, and the decisions made during this meeting will shape its destiny. The Bison Bridge Foundation has been tirelessly advocating for preserving and transforming this iconic structure for over four years, gaining significant national media attention, nearly 40,000 signatures of support, and the endorsement of local and regional clubs, groups, and elected officials from both sides of the river.
While the foundation does not have influence over the proposed alignment of the new bridge, the Bison Bridge team is committed to representing the interests and desires of the local community. The public's participation in this meeting is crucial to show support for repurposing the I-80 Bridge into a public space that harmoniously connects nature and urban life.
This virtual public meeting is an opportunity for residents, repurposed infrastructure enthusiasts, and those passionate about the river and environment to have their voices heard. It is a chance to come together, express your views, and influence the future of this iconic bridge and the proposed Bison Bridge project.
“Wednesday's meeting marks a pivotal moment in the trajectory of the Bison Bridge project. With the unwavering support of thousands, we urge each and every one of you to register for this crucial online gathering. This visionary repurposing initiative not only unites two bike paths but also promises to elevate the Quad Cities into an even more vibrant and interconnected community. Your presence at the meeting is not just an act of support but a powerful statement, transforming our region for the better.” says Bison Bridge Foundation’s President and Founder, Chad Pregracke.
“As Visit Quad Cities has clearly said from the very beginning, to build a destination that is compelling, generates tourism demand, and creates visibility for our regional destination we must think big and we must act now,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “The Bison Bridge idea has merit and should be discussed at the highest level, and we strongly encourage both Governor Pritzker and Governor Reynolds to come together to listen to this potential opportunity. Our leading goal is to activate our world-renowned and global asset, the Mississippi River. Destination development and outside-of-the-box concepts and ideas like the Bison Bridge can make us stand out and should be heard. The objective should always be to strategically design the Quad Cities of the future to attract and retain talent, grow visitation, position our brand, and share the QC story across the U.S. and abroad.”
Don't miss this chance to make a difference in your community's future. Register for the meeting today at https://bit.ly/public-meeting-4 and join the Bison Bridge Foundation in their mission to save the I-80 Bridge and create a unique legacy that benefits both people and nature.
For media inquiries or more information about the Bison Bridge Foundation, please contact:
Chad Pregracke, President & Founder
Bison Bridge Foundation
[email protected]
309-496-9848
www.bisonbridge.org
About the Bison Bridge Foundation:
The Bison Bridge Foundation is dedicated to preserving the I-80 Bridge and transforming it into a land bridge, consisting of a multi-use recreational and wildlife crossing connecting the Illinois and Iowa riverfronts on the Mississippi River. With the right support, we hope to turn it into a National Park site for visitors to enjoy for generations.
About Visit Quad Cities:
Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the official and industry-certified Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO) for the region. Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine charged with driving economic opportunity through tourism, building our authentic brand, telling & selling the Quad Cities story, and enhancing Quad Citizens' quality of life and quality of place.