This legislative session was one for the history books. When the session began in January, we had high hopes for the Governor’s Invest in Iowa Act, which would have funded the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some priorities shifted, and it was put on hold until next year.
When session started back up earlier this month, Iowa Rivers Revival worked closely with legislators and partners to make sure one of our main advocacy programs – Dam Mitigation and Water Trails – would be funded through the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund. You called, emailed, and connected with your state representatives to make sure funding was secured for this program. Even though it was not at the level we hoped for, that program still received $250,000.
Some other great news from this challenging legislative session:
- $12 million for the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) for FY 2021
- 2 year extension for REAP, pushing back the sunset date to 2023
THANK YOU for all your support and hard work! Iowa Rivers Revival will continue to fight for programs that protect and enhance our rivers and waterways. Until next time, stay healthy and take care.
Sara Carmichael, Executive Director