2008-11-21 22:21:06 -

www.principal.com - Central Iowa residents are invited to create a connection with the city of Des Moines by purchasing an engraved brick that will surround the landings on either side of the Center Street Bridge " the signature project of The Principal Riverwalk. The Riverfront Development Authority (RDA), the non-profit organization that manages the

construction, maintenance and programming of the Des Moines riverfront area, kicked off the special fundraising campaign today. Bricks can be purchased at cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww .. for $150 each.
"We continue to be pleased with the support both public and private entities have shown for The Principal Riverwalk. The project is now 75 percent funded, and we"re committed to securing the remaining funds needed to see it through to completion," said Mary O"Keefe, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of the Principal Financial Group®, and member of the RDA. "Engraved bricks will further strengthen the tie of The Principal Riverwalk to our community, and will allow Central Iowa to truly make the project their own," continued O"Keefe.
With approval from the Army Corps of Engineers, project leaders are now able to tap into federal water and energy funds that have been allocated for The Principal Riverwalk. These funds are combined with the original funding provided by the Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc., and additional support from the City of Des Moines, Vision Iowa, federal grants, local organizations and individuals.
The Center Street Bridge is currently under construction and expected to open in mid-2009. Construction delays, including those related to the significant summer flooding, have pushed the completion date back. The landmark bridge was originally due to be completed by the end of this year. Construction will begin in 2009 on the east and west Court Avenue Plazas, as well as the pedestrian and multi-purpose trails, with an eye toward completing the project in 2011.
Since ground was broken in 2004, The Principal Riverwalk has been reshaping the landscape of downtown Des Moines. Completed projects include Brenton Skating Plaza, Long Look Garden, Union Railroad Bridge, Hansen Triangle and Meredith Trail and connector to Gray"s Lake.
"Tens of thousands of Central Iowans have enjoyed the revitalization of the riverfront, and many new destinations The Principal Riverwalk offers," said O"Keefe. "From bike riding in the summer to ice skating in the winter, from a leisurely stroll to a vigorous jog, The Principal Riverwalk provides a venue for enjoying the natural beauty that lies in the heart of our city."
For the latest on The Principal Riverwalk, visit cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww ...


The Principal Financial Group

Rhonda Clark-Leyda, 515-247-6634

mailto:clark-leyda.Rhonda@principal.com