A major development project is moving forward in eastern Iowa.
Scott County voters approved the sale of bonds to raise five million dollars for the “River Renaissance” project in Davenport. It passed 73-to-26-percent and needed 60-percent to win. Without the county money, the project would have lost a 20-million dollar award from the state “Vision Iowa” fund. Opponents like Tom White fear the 113-million dollar development will be too expensive, he says he’s afraid taxpayers are going to end up paying the bill. Supporters like Joe Taylor, who runs the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, say the bond issue’s passage shows people want the community “growing, not going.”
Supporters say the project will bring new life and jobs to Davenport’s downtown. Opponents say the employment numbers are inflated, and Scott County should not fund a Davenport project.