The State of Iowa last week an­­nounced a new $100 million investment in water infrastructure and water quality projects.

The funding, which will come from money allocated through federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will support projects aimed at reducing nutrient loss, improving drought re­­siliency, re­­ducing flood risks, improving public health, promoting reuse of water and wastewater and providing significant economic benefits to communities and the state. 

A grant program operated by the Iowa Finance Authority has been allocated at $75 million. The grant application process opens Dec. 15, and information can be found at https://bit.ly/3rRtbtz.

“We recognize the value and importance of water quality and what that means to families, businesses and economic prosperity for our state,” said Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. 

An additional $25 million will be allocated to the Conservation Infrastructure Project at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. That project brings together both public and private resources to advance the mission of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

“These additional resources will build on the momentum that’s been achieved with dedicated funding from the Iowa Legislature and Governor Reynolds and help even more farmers and landowners implement proven conservation practices,” said Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig.