Governor wants five million dollars for water quality program

Governor Tom Vilsack’s proposing what he calls a five-million dollar “first step” to improving the quality of Iowa water. Vilsack says water quality is not just a small issue, but one that means a great deal to the future of Iowa’s economy. Vilsack says the five million dollars is a mere downpayment on what’s needed to clean up Iowa’s waterways, but he says it’s a reflection that even in difficult economic times, water quality is a state priority. All but one of Vilsack’s recommendations come from last November’s state water quality summit. Vilsack proposes that the state finance research that’ll devise a “numeric standard” for judging when a lake or river has too much nitrogen or phosphorus. He stopped short of any new restrictions for farmers. The Governor also called for using some of the state’s “Vision Iowa” grant money to finance water quality projects. Vilsack says outdoor recreation and water quality programs can compliment what’s been done already to build “bricks and mortar” around the state to boost tourism and quality of life. Vilsack says many communities are anxious to improve the quality of lakes and streams as a tool to expand tourism and recreation. Vilsack says while times are tough, he’s still committed to the goal of cleaning up all the Iowa waterways that are today on an E-P-A “impaired” list.