The sidewalks are still to come, but the finish line for fundraising has been crossed. The community-driven Safe Routes to School project has exceeded its financial goal by more than $20,000. With $237,580 raised to support new infrastructure connecting the community and high traffic areas to local schools, the group moves on to the next phase in the project.

Led by the Hometown Action Team (HAT), the campaign initially aimed to raise $217,000, covering a 20% local match for sidewalk construction and a $30,000 engineering fee for a new pedestrian stoplight at Highway 63 and 15th Street. With strong backing from residents, businesses, alumni, and grantmakers, the goal was surpassed in late June — thanks in large part to a $100,000 grant from the Mansfield Charitable Foundation awarded on June 24.

To honor this milestone, donors are invited to a special “Meeting of the Cows” celebration at Tama Park. The event will feature the symbolic reunion of cow mascots Moolissa and Mootilda, who grazed around town during the fundraising campaign and became symbols of the community’s progress.

The project’s financial success reflects both strong grant support and grassroots generosity. Of the total raised, $165,500 came from grants, while individuals contributed $46,400 and local businesses and alumni added another $25,622. In total, 191 individual donations were recorded. The City of Tama will hold the excess funds in reserve to cover unexpected construction costs, long-term maintenance, or enhancements such as landscaping and benches.

With fundraising complete, the next steps involve formal coordination with the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). The cities of Tama and Toledo will begin by signing contracts with IDOT, after which a project manager will be assigned to oversee the work. Engineering firms will be contracted to design the infrastructure, with plans needing approval from city officials before moving to the bidding phase. Once a contractor is selected, construction will begin. The process is complex and will take time, with sidewalk work expected to start in 2026 and reach completion by fall 2027. Organizers emphasize the need for patience as this important public works project moves forward.

The Hometown Action Team extended heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and organizations that made this achievement possible. Special appreciation was given to Region 6 Planning Commission, local business leaders, and South Tama alumni who supported the project through donations and advocacy. The team also acknowledged the efforts of Mayors Brian Hanus (Tama) and Brian Sokol (Toledo), along with the Tama City Clerk and Assistant Clerk, for their guidance and administrative support throughout the campaign.

Significant grant funding came from organizations that recognized the long-term value of the project, including the Mansfield Charitable Foundation, Lincoln Savings Bank Foundation, Guernsey Foundation, Black Hawk Gaming Association, IMT insurance, and ITC Midwest.

While no future projects have been announced, the Hometown Action Team will begin discussing what’s next in upcoming meetings. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to follow the project’s progress online and view the complete list of donors at hat.tamatoledo.org or on Facebook.