Water quality discussions continue
March 31, 2016
The Iowa Legislature continues to have conversations about water quality funding for Iowa to address the goals set out by the Nutrient Reduction Strategy. This morning, the House Ways and Means Committee passed House Study Bill 654, which provides financial assistance for municipalities wanting to upgrade wastewater treatment and drinking water facilities. The legislation calls for sales tax collected from metered drinking water to be used as grants of up to $500,000 to upgrade facilities. When fully implemented, the bill would generate $28 million a year for water quality grants.
The legislation will now go to the House Appropriations committee where additional policy language is expected to be added. In other water quality news, ABI will meet with DNR and Iowa League of Cities to talk about the nutrient reduction strategy and ways to collaborate and receive point-source assistance for upgrades. Staff contact: Jessica Harder