(Des Moines)– Iowans will soon have an opportunity to comment on the state’s Resource Enhancement and Protection Program, or REAP.
The program, administered by the Department of Natural Resources, has a 22-year, $260 million funding history for parks, soil, water and habitat improvements, roadside prairies, historical development and conservation education.
The REAP Act has a formula that distributes funding to farmers, conservation organizations, educators, cities, counties, historians, and state projects. Funding comes from gaming revenues and sales of natural resource license plates. Legislators appropriated $15 million in 2010 and $12 million in 2011. Full funding of the REAP Act is $20 million.
The REAP Act also calls for major public participation through county committees and 18 assemblies held throughout the state.
Locally, the assembly for our area is set for October 5th at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer. An open house with displays will be held from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. with the assembly itself beginning at 6:30 p.m.
