(Des Moines)– A committee established by the Iowa Legislature to explore sustainable funding for Iowa’s natural resources has determined that an additional 150 million dollars a year is needed for quality of life enhancing projects such as improving water quality, protecting soil, fish, wildlife and natural areas and bolstering recreational areas such as parks and trails.
The committee, in its preliminary report to the governor and legislature, discusses alternatives for providing additional funding for natural resources as well as reporting on the potential support among Iowans on issues and funding options.
The committee will finalize its report in March.
It’s recommendations include using revenues from gaming, retiring revenue bonds, dedicating a fraction of a percent of sales tax proceeds and using a portion of lottery profits as funding for natural resources initiatives.
Mark Ackelson, President of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and a committee member, says Iowa has historically been among the lowest states in the nation in funding for conservation and that such a discussion on how to improve the commitment is long overdue.
