The Moving and Install Division of IPI has been in the trash removal business for a few years by providing a ditch walking crew to the Iowa DOT. The service is provided to the Grimes DOT and Des Moines North DOT. The route consists of I-80 from Jordan Creek Parkway to exit 146 in Altoona, I-35 from Mills Civic Parkway to the Elkhart exit and I-235. Last year, trash crews picked up approximately 175 dump truck loads of trash. Knowing this is a great work opportunity, we were reluctant to cease operation as Move and Install moved into the “heat of the summer” providing services to ISU and our other school customers. To solve the problem and continue to generate revenue along with work opportunities, Move and Install hired seasonal employee Traci Carpenter.
On May 7, 2018, we changed to a incarcerated female crew from the previous incarcerated male crews. Traci was hesitant to run a female crew, as the last 20 years of her experience was with male inmates. Traci kept a positive attitude, though, and she has enjoyed the transition that has transpired with the incarcerated female crew. Though they are picking up trash on the highway, it’s much more than that. Traci is happy to be a part of IPI as we help bridge the gap between being incarcerated and being a productive member of society.
