Iowa Department of Natural Resources
July 17, 2008
For immediate release
1. Governor Culver, Director Leopold announce funding for water quality projects
2. Black Hawk County residents asked to share ideas on improving George Wyth Lake
GOVERNOR CULVER, DIRECTOR LEOPOLD ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR WATER QUALITY PROJECTS
MEDIA CONTACTS: Steve Hopkins, DNR, at (515) 281-6402 or [log in to unmask]
DES MOINES — Governor Chet Culver and DNR Director Richard Leopold announced Thursday that eligible watersheds in Iowa may qualify for federal funds under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Targeted Watersheds Grant Program.
Under this program, $4.2 million is available to support the protection and restoration of the country’s water resources through a holistic watershed approach. This program is designed to encourage successful community-based approaches and techniques to protect water resources throughout the country. Governor Culver can nominate an unlimited number of meritorious projects for funding consideration by EPA. Successful applicants will be eligible for funding of $100,000 to $1 million.
Several Iowa projects have received funding under this program in recent years. In 2003, the Rathbun Land and Water Alliance was awarded $600,000 to support a comprehensive watershed project to protect and improve water quality in Lake Rathbun. In 2004, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa State University were awarded $1 million to carry out an integrated drainage tile management-wetlands project, in cooperation with three drainage districts in Palo Alto and Pocahontas counties.
Both Culver and Leopold said the grant program offers excellent opportunities for local communities looking to improve water quality.
“Water quality is a statewide issue, but the most successful efforts we see in improving water quality start at the local level,” said Culver. “When local citizens care enough about water quality to become active, the work gets done and having access to the federal dollars is a real shot in the arm for transforming interest and ideas into action and results.”
Leopold said an increasing number of communities are realizing the importance natural resources and outdoor recreation amenities play in the economic vitality of their regions.
“By investing in water quality, we support wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation and ultimately, our economy. We also make Iowa a great place to live, work and raise a family. Communities that understand these concepts and lead the effort are the ones that will have best positioned themselves for a more prosperous future,” said Leopold.
DNR will solicit applications for the program and provide recommendations to the Governor regarding projects to be submitted for funding consideration. In accordance with EPA guidance, applications will be evaluated upon their ability to apply market-based water quality projects to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment loadings, or pollutant loadings that cause low biological oxygen demand (BOD) in local waters that enter the Mississippi River system contributing to hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.
To be considered, applications must be received by the DNR no later than August 22, 2008. Governor Culver will submit Iowa’s nominations to EPA, with final selections being determined by EPA.
Additional details on how to apply for the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program, including eligibility requirements and where to send your application can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/water/watershed/grants.html. Questions can also be directed to: Steve Hopkins, Nonpoint Program Coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (phone 515-281-6402, email: [log in to unmask]).
# # #
BLACK HAWK COUNTY RESIDENTS ASKED TO SHARE IDEAS ON IMPROVING GEORGE WYTH LAKE
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Berckes at (515) 281-4791 or [log in to unmask] or Charles Ikenberry at (515) 281-8753 or [log in to unmask]
CEDAR FALLS – Iowans interested in improving George Wyth Lake in Black Hawk County can attend a meeting July 29 to discuss and review a recent water quality study and its suggestions for improving the lake.
George Wyth Lake is on the state’s impaired waters list because of excess E. coli in the water, which may indicate the presence of disease-causing pathogens. Geese that reside in the park appear to be the primary contributor to this problem.
The study, or DNR water quality improvement plan, looks at the problems and potential solutions for the problems in George Wyth Lake. It is designed as a guide for improving the lake for local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders and residents.
“We are excited to inform people about the study and discuss how the DNR and George Wyth patrons can work together to improve the lake,” said Jeff Berckes with the DNR’s Watershed Improvement program. “This meeting is the first step forward in revitalizing a great Iowa natural resource and we look forward to working with local community members to incorporate their ideas on how to put an effective plan into action.”
The DNR will ask Iowans for their input at a July 29 meeting in Cedar Falls. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, 657 Reserve Dr.
Staff from the DNR’s Lake Restoration program, Watershed Improvement program and Fisheries and Wildlife bureaus will also be on hand to answer questions.
Those not able to attend the public meeting can receive more information at www.iowadnr.gov/water/watershed/tmdl/publicnotice.html and submit comments on the plan by Aug. 19 via the following ways:
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Telephone: Jeff Berckes at (515) 281-4791
Mail: Jeff Berckes, care of Iowa DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St.,Des Moines, Iowa 50319
After gathering Iowans’ comments, the DNR will forward the final plan, also called by its technical name of Total Maximum Daily Load, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval. Local groups interested in helping George Wyth Lake can then use the plan to assist their improvement efforts.
Writer: Cassy Lalan
-30-
---You are currently subscribed to econewswire as: [log in to unmask] unsubscribe click the Unsubscribe link below, or send a blank email to: [log in to unmask]http://Membership.Lists.ia.gov/u?id=3554007M&n=T&c=F&l=econewswire (click here to unsubscribe)or send a blank email to
If you received this message from a friend and would like to sign up for DNR Eco News Wire e-mails, please send a blank e-mail to: [log in to unmask]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to:
[log in to unmask]
Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information:
http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp
|
