MEMORANDUM

FR:      Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
TO:      Iowa Reporters and Editors
RE:      Water quality and education infrastructure funding proposal
DA:     Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016

“I commend the Governor for offering a plan that would allow us to continue to build on the water quality efforts already under way.  Since the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy was unveiled in 2012 and received its first funding in 2013, we have said this would be a long term issue and would require significant investment by farmers, landowners, ag organizations and other partners along with the state and federal government.

“Iowa farmers have shown a willingness to try new practices and make an investment in protecting water quality.  Increased funding would allow the state to expand our efforts to work with farmers and make a large commitment to water quality.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Governor and Legislature to identify significant, long-term funding to scale-up our water quality efforts.

“I appreciate Sec. Vilsack’s willingness to coordinate with Iowa to streamline programs and better target resources to support the implementation of the nutrient reduction strategy.”