by Whitney Flach
Gov. Terry Branstad has proposed to use a part of funding for major schools infrastructures to instead help pay for water quality improvements in Iowa. Water quality, has been a divisive issue in Iowa. The quest to secure more funding to address water quality is expected to be a contentious issue in the legislative session, just like it was previously.
Last year, The Des Moines Water Works filed a lawsuit against three northern Iowa counties. This suit claimed that underground drainage tiles act as a conduit that funnels high levels of nitrates into the Raccoon River. Which, is a source of drinking water to 500,000 central Iowa residents. The utility is pushing for federal oversight of the drainage districts, and farmers. This has put pressure on the state to ramp up efforts to work with farmers to build conservation practices across Iowa that can offset nitrogen and phosphorus losses.
One of Brandstad’s ideas is designating three-eighths of 1 cent of the tax proceeds for a voter-approved but dormant fund that would finance improvements to Iowa lakes, rivers and streams, trails, parks and other outdoor initiatives. The other five-eighths of 1 cent would continue to be used for school buildings.
President of Peoples Co, Steve Bruere, who is also a land broker and Clive farm manager said the governor’s proposal makes “a lot of sense,” potentially giving school and environmental advocates new funding. Some environmentalists and agriculture groups said they are encouraged that Branstad has continued to look for water quality solutions, while others see the proposal as new tread on old tires.
“By the time that we get to 2029, five-eighths of a cent will bring in about as much as 1 cent. So that is a way that I think that we could deal with both, what the schools would like and address the water quality issues,” Branstad said.
A northwest Iowa lawmaker, David Johnson said slicing money that goes to schools hurts rural Iowa in particular, which struggles with declining population. “We just continue to backhand our rural schools,” Johnson said. However, president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Joe McGovern, said more details are needed about the governor’s modified plan. “Funding the trust is critical,” McGovern said. “It’s constitutionally protected, and it funds all of our quality-of-life initiatives, not just water quality. It also supports wildlife habitat, trails and other amenities. It’s a much bigger vision, which is needed. That’s better for Iowa.”
Voters approved dedicating three-eighths of 1 cent to the natural resources fund, which would generate about $180 million annually, but lawmakers have refused to raise taxes to fund it. The fund outlines how money should be used, with about 60% potentially available for water quality initiatives.
