Iowans gather at statehouse in support of clean water, conservation
posted
on Tuesday, March 18, 2014
in
Council News
Contact:
Matt Hauge, Iowa Environmental Council
office: 515-244-1194 x 210
hauge@iaenvironment.org
Iowans gather at statehouse to support clean water,
conservation, at Tuesday morning rally
DES MOINES - About 150 conservation advocates representing over 35 organizations gathered at the statehouse Tuesday to call on lawmakers to do more to protect clean water and a healthy environment—and provide funding needed to get it done. The morning rally was co-sponsored by the Iowa REAP Alliance and the Iowa Environmental Council.
Conservation progress in Iowa could receive a big boost this year if legislators heed the call of Iowa’s conservation community to provide Iowa’s Resource Enhancement and Protection program, or REAP, a special $25 million appropriation in celebration of its 25th anniversary.
But with many Iowa lakes plagued by harmful algal blooms, and record levels of nitrate pollution last year a threat to safe drinking water for half a million Iowans, advocates also cautioned legislators that stiff oversight, goals, and measurement of progress are needed to protect Iowa’s water resources.
In a morning press conference, Margo Underwood, chair of the state Natural Resource Commission, one of two oversight bodies for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said supporting REAP and conservation funding is one of the top priorities for the commission in 2014.
“I live in Clear Lake and water quality issues are near and dear to my heart," Underwood said. "The restoration of Clear Lake has improved water quality and clarity and has decreased excessive nutrient levels. As a result, it is now among the top five lakes in our state for visitors from across the country."
“The REAP program has been instrumental in these improvements and we must continue these efforts statewide,” she said.
Funds provided to REAP are distributed to a variety of conservation projects in all of Iowa’s 99 counties—with approximately $300 million distributed via the program throughout its history, yet legislators have never funded the program at its full authorized level.
Rod Marlatt, executive director of the Fayette County Conservation Board, listed numerous ways REAP funding has provided benefits in his county and said in the end, conservation investment results in a stronger local economy.
He told the story of two sisters who chose to locate a new restaurant in Elgin, Iowa, after they learned about local parks and water trail improvements along the Turkey River, among other amenities. The restaurant has hired 21 employees, 3 of whom Marlatt said have purchased homes in the area, and other businesses are opening their doors.
“That’s how you connect the dots. Economic development is the result of natural resources, and natural resources will expand because of economic development,” Marlatt said. Indeed, a 2012 study by Iowa State University identified 31,000 Iowa jobs and more than $3 billion in annual spending due to outdoor recreation in the state.
The Iowa House of Representatives, too, recognized the contributions of Iowa’s REAP program Tuesday, adopting HR119, a resolution commemorating REAP’s 25th anniversary, by voice vote. At the same time, decisions to match the resolution with a commitment of funds still lie ahead in the closing days of the legislative session.
State Senator Bob Dvorsky (D-Coralville), addressing the conservation rally, was optimistic about funding REAP at $25 million during this session.
“I think we can get it done, with your help,” he said.
State Senator David Johnson (R-Ocheyedan), whose district includes Iowa’s Great Lakes in Dickinson County, took a step further. He expressed a willingness to support the 3/8 cent sales tax necessary to fully fund Iowa’s Natural Resource and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, which 63% of Iowans voted to create in 2010.
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The Iowa Environmental Council is an alliance of diverse organizations and individuals working together to protect Iowa's natural environment. Since 1995, the Council has worked toward creating a safe, healthy environment and sustainable future for Iowa, focusing on water and land stewardship, clean energy and air quality.