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SURFACE WATER PROTECTION ACT

 

    This week, the Senate gave final approval to House File 2400, sending the measure to Governor Culver for his signature.  The Surface Water Protection Act is the result of a two-year watershed planning task force and will provide a coordinated effort to clean up our lakes, rivers, and streams.

 

    The bill creates a Water Resources Coordinating Council within the Governor’s Office to preserve and protect Iowa’s water resources and coordinate efforts throughout the state.  The success of the council’s efforts will ultimately be measured by whether Iowa citizens can more easily organize local watershed projects; can more easily access available funds and water quality program resources; and whether the funds, programs, and regulatory efforts coordinated by the council eventually result in a long-term improvement to the quality of surface water in Iowa.

 

    The Surface Water Protection Act calls for 56 regional watershed assessments to be completed in five years, providing a summary of the overall condition of Iowa’s watersheds.  In addition, smaller community-based subwatershed improvement plans are to be developed and implemented, including monitoring plans. 

  

 

 

Gaylan B. Crim

1750 140th St.

Boone, Iowa 50036

515-432-5026

"I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art anyone could want to own."  Andy Warhol