193.1097.3-4

This advertisement ran in the "Ames Tribune" on November 2, 1936, the day before a vote on a transfer of $25,000 from the municipal electric fund to a project to build an underpass at the Grand Avenue railroad crossing. Total estimate of the project cost was $354,000, with most of the cost to be covered by state and federal funds. Because Grand Avenue and Lincoln Way were primary highways, the Iowa Highway Commission was to be in charge of construction. Those who objected to the project were concerned about street lighting intruding on the interiors of nearby residences, increased traffic on Grand Avenue and at intersections where school children crossed Grand, and the lack of financial backing by the Chicago & North Western Railroad (which opponents considered the main benefactor of the underpass). Nevertheless, the voters approved the transfer of funds by a vote of 2,312 to 2,005. The underpass was completed in 1938. (See also: 193.1098.1-2)