Update: In response to the Governor’s proposed budget, Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey stated the following:
?The Governor and Legislature showed strong support for the Water Quality Initiative last year and I appreciate the Governor?s recommendation to continue to increase the support in fiscal year 2015,” Northey said. “Additional investment into the initiative is important to build on the good momentum we have had to this point. I recognize the challenges the Governor and Legislature face in sorting through and funding all their priorities. We will continue make the case to the legislature for our budget proposal.?
DES MOINES, Iowa – In a meeting with Governor Terry Branstad late last year, Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey requested $6.65 million for the Iowa water quality initiative in fiscal year 2015.
At the time, Northey said the additional $2.25 million would bring water quality funding more in line with IDALS’ efforts on soil conservation.
Northey also requested an additional $1 million for urban conservation efforts, and $1.2 million to close 8 agricultural drainage wells.
On Tuesday, Branstad unveiled his proposed FY2015 budget, linked here, and did not put funding toward Northey’s additional $2.25 million for water quality or $1 million for urban conservation efforts.
However, funding for the Iowa water quality initative is still set to increase as scheduled, to $4.4 million from $2.4 million in FY2014.
