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From: Press Release from Iowa Governor's Office <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: Press Release from Iowa Governor's Office <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:51:56 -0500
To: Press Release from the Governor's Office <[log in to unmask]>
Conversation: GOVERNOR CULVER HIGHLIGHTS WATER QUALITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN BURLINGTON
Subject: GOVERNOR CULVER HIGHLIGHTS WATER QUALITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN BURLINGTON
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Governor Chet Culver « Lt. Governor Patty Judge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2007Contact: Brad Anderson
(515) 281-0173
GOVERNOR CULVER HIGHLIGHTS WATER QUALITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN BURLINGTON
Announced $350,000 in State Funds for New Public Beach Shelter at Lake Geode
(Burlington) Today in Burlington, Governor Chet Culver proclaimed Dankwart Park as Iowa’s “Capitol for a Day” and highlighted the 2007 legislative accomplishments on water quality and lake restoration. Attending the “Capitol for a Day” stop with the Governor was the Director of Natural Resources Rich Leopold.
“As I travel the state, I am reminded of the natural beauty that exists here in Iowa -- from the Bluffs of the Mississippi to the Loess Hills along the Missouri, and everywhere in between,” said Governor Culver. “And here in our landlocked state, our waterways are one of our most precious natural resources. Iowa’s lakes, rivers, and streams are beloved by Iowans, and it is our responsibility as a state to do whatever we can to support water quality initiatives; so future generations will be able to fully enjoy them. This is why I was pleased to sign legislation that took steps to restore our waterways.”
During his remarks, Governor Culver highlighted several accomplishments related to water quality initiatives, including:
- The Governor signed an FY 2008 budget that included $5 million for water quality improvements through the Watershed Improvement Review Board.
- Included in the Environment First Fund was $15.5 million in Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) funding. This is a $4.5 million increase from the previous year. The REAP program provides funding to several popular programs, including city, county and state parks, local water quality projects, habitat and historical resource protection, roadside vegetation and conservation education.
- The budget also included $16.6 million in RIIF funding for water quality improvements. This includes $8.6 million in funding for lake restoration.
In addition, the Governor announced a $350,000 grant from the Department of Economic Development to help construct a new public beach shelter along the shores of Lake Geode.
“This new beach house will enhance the experience of thousands of visitors to this park,” said Governor Culver. “And with the new ADA accessible playground – the largest of its kind in the state – that will be constructed as part of this project, all families will be able to enjoy the Iowa outdoors.”
In addition, other capital improvements will bring the total amount of investment in this park to more than $3 million dollars.
The premise behind “Capitol for a Day” is for the Governor to travel to counties across the state to hold office hours and listen to Iowans’ thoughts, ideas and concerns. During the events, the Governor is available to meet with Iowans and hear their ideas for the future of our state. “It can be difficult for some Iowans, who do not have the time, resources or ability to travel to Des Moines and meet their state leaders,” said Governor Culver. “These Iowans are just as important to our state’s future as any other Iowan, and we must engage them so their voices are heard, and that’s why I decided it was time to take the state Capitol on the road.”
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