 In 1996, the Iowa Transportation Commission approved an ambitious, $1.7-billion highway construction plan (equivalent to $ in dollars) that would expand six important corridors to four-lane expressways—and not freeways—including the Des Moines to Burlington route, by 2004.Local officials applauded the project, stating that it would improve the state's economy overall and help southeastern Iowa businesses locally.The project received a major boost when President Bill Clinton signed a $216-billion highway bill on June 9, 1998, out of which $314 million was earmarked for Iowa projects (equivalent to $ and $ in dollars, respectively).