The 520 First Association, organized in 1970, had as its primary objective the immediate programming and construction of Freeway 520 (United States Highway 20), which is planned to go from Sioux City to Dubuque, Iowa. The organization's name echoes their desire that this project be given "first priority." After 1967, Iowa's Highway Commission planned on upgrading major routes through Iowa to four lanes. In the 1968 Highway Commission plan, controlled access freeways were given the 5xx designation. Freeway 520 is currently (2010) United States Highway 20 and has yet to be completed.



The association's objective (to construct a freeway to provide Iowa residents and companies with greater mobility and connection) was adopted in the belief that when accomplished, the state would have come closer to realizing then Governor Harold Hughes' goal of establishing and maintaining a growing economic base in Iowa that would allow its residents to find work opportunities. To determine whether its objective was valid, the organization hired Midwest Research, Inc. to conduct an independent economic study. The study showed that the northern third of Iowa was a leader in almost all areas of economic activity. This study, as well as other national studies, shows that economic activity is either enhanced or weakened as transportation links, such as primary highways, are improved or allowed to deteriorate. Possibly a successor to the 520 First Association, there is now (2010) a U.S. 20 Corridor Association.