The TBK Bank Sport Complex area in northern Bettendorf has been called an “economic engine.” That engine continues to roar as it gets ready for a $10.3 million major sanitary sewer expansion.
The Bettendorf City Council recently approved a resolution to begin the Spencer Creek Lift Station Improvements Project for the region around the complex at 4850 Competition Drive. The next step in the process is an Aug. 20 public hearing, followed by another vote to consider awarding contracts to the low bidders.
The sewer expansion project is scheduled to be complete in the spring of 2026, according to City of Bettendorf officials.
“The initial buildout of the lift station will service nearly 1,800 acres,” said Brent Morlok, Bettendorf city engineer, in a news release from the City of Bettendorf. “This aligns with our population growth predictions for the next 20 years. The design was done in coordination with our newly updated Future Land Use Map for that area, which was also approved by city council on July 16th.”
Mr. Morlok said “The potential total service area north of Interstate 80 would be approximately 5,800 acres at full build-out.”
He added “Sewer work is not nearly as visual to the public compared to a new trail or roadway, but this project is immensely important to Bettendorf’s continued growth. The improvements being made with the reconstruction of the Interstate 80/Middle Road Interchange will only put more pressure on the city to be ready for development to the north and this sewer is the first step.”
The project will be paid for using the Iowa State Revolving Fund. SRF provides cities with low-interest loans to construct infrastructure with a focus on clean water.
The sewer expansion is just the latest developments in the TBK Bank Sports Complex area.
“The area surrounding the Interstate 80/Middle Road Interchange is an economic engine for our region,” said Jeff Reiter, Bettendorf assistant city administrator and economic development director. “More than $250 million has already been invested and there’s more than $600 million in planned investments. We’re continuing to see inquiries about other spaces in this corridor and are excited about the transformation in this area.”
Bettendorf City Administrator Decker Ploehn said “Since opening in 2018, the TBK Bank Sports Complex has become a national footprint for youth sports events and an economic catalyst.”
He added “More than 1.5 million people visit the area surrounding the Interstate 80/Middle Road Interchange every year and that number is expected to rise to 2.5 million visitors a year as we see this growth continue.”
Another development in the works is a pedestrian and bicyclist bridge called the Gateway Bridge. It will be located just south of the Interstate 80/Middle Road Interchange. The bridge will allow walkers, runners, and bicyclists to cross Middle Road safely as well as connect our regional trail system between Davenport and LeClaire.
The Gateway Bridge design is being finalized by HDR, with construction expected to begin in the spring of 2025. Recreational trail work to accommodate the bridge will begin this fall.
The bridge will be funded with General Obligation Bonds and paid for using tax revenue created from the commercial development in the area surrounding the Interstate 80/Middle Road Interchange. The city does not intend to raise property taxes to pay for the bonds.
“This investment is yet another example of the success we’re seeing in this area and the reason why we need to provide a grand entrance for visitors and residents to see how special Bettendorf and the Quad Cities are. We are excited to move forward,” said Mr. Reiter.
Other projects in the works or recently completed in the area include:
- A new $50 million ORA Orthopedics clinic under construction at 5250 Competition Drive.
- A new QCR Holdings facility on the southeast Corner of Middle Road and Forest Grove Drive.
- A new commercial complex west of TBK Bank Sports Complex.
- A new Springhill Suites under construction at 5235 Competition Drive.
- The new Iron Tee Golf facility.
