DIAGONAL, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today joined Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster to announce a $2 million federal investment to rehabilitate 6.7 miles of Ringgold County’s P33 corridor between Highway 2 and Diagonal, improving safety and strengthening a critical transportation route for southern Iowa.
Rep. Nunn announced the funding this morning at Diagonal Freedom Rock alongside the nation’s top highway official, Ringgold County officials, local leaders, and state legislators. “Out here in Ringgold County, a corridor like P33 is how farmers get their products to market, small businesses stay connected, and first responders reach Iowans when every minute matters,” said Rep. Nunn. “This $2 million investment rebuilds one of the county’s busiest rural roads with new pavement, wider shoulders, and rumble strips that help keep drivers safe. It’s an investment that will strengthen southern Iowa’s economy and serve local families for decades to come.”
“Under the leadership of President Trump and with the advocacy of Congressman Nunn, vital federal dollars are being delivered exactly where they are needed most—our rural Iowa communities,” said Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster. “This project stands as an example of the Trump Administration’s commitment to helping local leaders move dirt and upgrade the vital highways that support America’s economy, while keeping families safely connected.”
Rep. Nunn secured the funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. Ringgold County, the grant recipient, will administer the funding to advance the corridor rehabilitation project. The investment will improve the 6.7-mile stretch of P33 between Highway 2 and Diagonal by resurfacing the roadway, widening the pavement to add shoulders, and installing edge rumble strips to improve safety and reduce roadway accidents. The corridor carries roughly 740 vehicles each day and serves as a key route for area residents, agricultural producers, emergency responders, school transportation, and local businesses. County officials estimate the project will directly benefit roughly 15 percent of Ringgold County residents.
The $2 million federal investment complements a $1.8 million local match already secured by Ringgold County through its Farm-to-Market funding program. Local, county, and state leaders praised the investment. “Receiving $2 million in Community Project Funding is a tremendous investment in the future of Ringgold County,” said Ringgold County Board of Supervisor Chair Colby Holmes. “This project will improve safety, strengthen our transportation infrastructure, and demonstrate what can be accomplished when local leaders and our federal partners work together to meet the needs of our communities. We’re grateful for Congressman Zach Nunn’s support and proud of the dedication shown by our County Engineer, Jared Johnson, whose hard work helped make this project a reality.”
“On behalf of the City of Diagonal, I would like to thank Congressman Nunn, his office and his staff for working so hard to secure Federal Funding for the P33 project,” said Diagonal Mayor Lester Elliott. “P33 is an integral artery for the City of Diagonal. With our business and population in Diagonal growing at a rapid pace, infrastructure will play a key role in continuing that growth! Additionally, I would like to thank County Engineer Johnson, his staff, and our County Supervisors for making the P33 project a reality! They do an outstanding job of serving all of Ringgold County!”
“This investment is a game-changer for Diagonal,” said Diagonal Development Corporation Vice President Zach Gunsolley. “For a rural community, a reliable corridor like P33 is the difference between businesses that thrive and opportunities that pass us by. We thank Congressman Nunn for fighting to make sure Diagonal stays connected, competitive, and open for growth.”
“Rural infrastructure is vital to all parts of the economy as product needs to move both ways to feed people,” said Iowa State Senator Tom Shipley. “This investment is proof of what can happen when local priorities have a strong advocate in Washington,” said State Representative Devon Wood. “The P33 corridor is a vital connection for Ringgold County’s farmers, businesses, and families, and Congressman Nunn’s leadership has helped ensure this road will serve our community safely and reliably for decades to come.”
