CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – February 13, 2026 – A new feature-length documentary, Revival and Redemption: Iowa Interstate at 40, offers an inside look at the growth of the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Founded in 1984 during a period of transition and uncertainty for America’s rail industry, IAIS has grown from a startup regional line into a critical transportation corridor connecting Iowa and Illinois with the national rail network. The documentary explores this evolution, highlighting the people, vision, and determination that have shaped IAIS into the thriving freight carrier it is today. Through archival footage, newly filmed interviews, and on-the-rail action scenes, the documentary chronicles IAIS’s four decades of service: its early struggles, major turning points, expansions, and ongoing commitment to safety, efficiency, and customer service.
“This documentary is not just about trains – it’s about resilience,” said Henry Posner III, IAIS Chairman. “The Iowa Interstate Railroad represents what can happen when local leadership, passionate employees, and strong communities come together to preserve and enhance an essential transportation link.”
“IAIS being the thriving, critical link it is as part of North America’s freight rail network today is a story all on its own. However, when you consider its entire history from the beginning, including the many dedicated leaders and employees who never abandoned the ship, it is a fascinating look at how a once dead railroad overcame all odds in the post-Staggers era of railroading,” said Joe Parsons, IAIS President.
Highlights of the documentary include:
- Rare footage of the railroad’s early years and the historic Rock Island Railroad lines it inherited
- Interviews with key personalities who founded, supported, and led IAIS to success
- A feature showcasing IAIS’s Chinese-built QJ 2-10-2 steam locomotives, which have become icons in the railroad preservation community
- A look at IAIS’s role in supporting Midwest agriculture, manufacturing, and international trade via connections to all Class I railroads and intermodal gateways
- Forward-looking insights into how IAIS is preparing for its next 40 years, including infrastructure upgrades, technology investments, and sustainable operations
“As I learned more about the history of the Iowa Interstate Railroad from past and present employees, it became clear how much determination, innovation, and teamwork was required to build the railroad into what it is today,” said Nicholas Ozorak, owner of Streamliner Media and director of the film. “I greatly appreciated working with Railroad Development Corporation and the Iowa Interstate Railroad team to share this story with a wider audience.”
A Tribute to the People Behind the Railroad
At its core, Revival and Redemption: Iowa Interstate at 40 celebrates the men and women who built, maintained, and operated the line over four decades. Their stories reveal the dedication and ingenuity that allowed IAIS to thrive during a challenging era for short-line and regional railroads.
Release Information
The film is now available on Iowa Interstate’s official YouTube channel – www.youtube.com/@iowainterstaterailroad
About Iowa Interstate Railroad
Founded in 1984, Iowa Interstate Railroad is a multi-generational family-owned Cedar Rapids-based Class-II regional railroad company operating a system of over 570 miles in the Midwest region between Chicago, Peoria, and the Omaha areas. It is one of the only regional railroads in the country with direct connections to all six Class-I railroads. In 2020, IAIS’s parent company, Railroad Development Corporation, formed a partnership with iCON Infrastructure to reinforce their strategy of leveraging the unique IAIS footprint as a platform for growth. For more information about IAIS, please visit www.iaisrr.com.