By Andi Anderson

Iowa's Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is making significant investments in urban water quality projects across the state, with Secretary Mike Naig recently announcing funding for 14 initiatives. These projects, spanning communities of all sizes, aim to improve water quality through innovative practices.

At Goose Creek Park in Davenport, Secretary Naig, alongside city leaders, unveiled plans for one such project. Utilizing resources from the state's Water Quality Initiative (WQI) and other avenues, the Department is committing nearly $3.6 million to these endeavors. This investment will leverage a total expenditure of approximately $10 million across the selected projects.

Secretary Naig emphasized the inclusive nature of these efforts, highlighting that all Iowans have a role in conserving natural resources like soil and water. Over the past decade, the Department has been involved in over 120 urban water quality projects, working in collaboration with local partners to drive statewide progress in water quality.

Each of the selected projects will receive cost-share grants covering up to 50 percent of the total cost. These initiatives encompass a range of water quality practices, including bioretention cells, bioswales, native plantings, permeable pavers, rain gardens, soil quality restoration, and wetlands.

In Davenport, for instance, the Goose Creek Park Bioretention Cell Project will see the construction of bioretention cells and step pools to capture urban runoff and improve water quality. The project not only serves an educational purpose but also enhances the park's habitat and recreational value.

Other communities, such as Altoona, Belle Plaine, Bloomfield, Clive, Des Moines, Durant, Hudson, Jesup, Johnston, Perry, Urbandale, and Waterloo, will also benefit from similar initiatives tailored to their specific needs.

These projects underscore a collaborative approach involving state agencies, local governments, and community organizations to address water quality issues effectively. These initiatives aim to both reduce pollutants and promote sustainable stormwater management practices statewide.

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