A survey of Iowa’s economic activity during April points to an economic slowdown in the months ahead — but the news isn’t all bad. Creighton University economist Dr. Ernie Goss says the survey of purchasing managers and business leaders in Iowa and eight other Midwestern states shows room for optimism.The economy may have bottomed out, but it’s not as weak as it was in the previous month. Goss says the poor economic numbers indicate a reduced likelihood of Iowa slipping into a recession this year.The flooded Mississippi River has been closed to all commercial and recreational traffic for two weeks, halting the shipping of Iowa grains via barge. Many farmers have flooded fields. Goss says there will be a short-term reduction in output due to the flooding.Goss says Iowa’s economy remains in a “slow to no growth” phase, but April was the second month in a row a slight upturn was seen.