Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will invest in 14 urban water quality projects within communities of all sizes across the state. Secretary Naig made the announcement with city leaders from Davenport at an event at Goose Creek Park, the location of one of the new water quality projects.
Utilizing funding from the state’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI) and other sources, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will provide cost-share grants that cover up to 50 percent of the total cost of each project. The Department is investing nearly $3.6 million, which will leverage an overall investment of approximately $10 million across the 14 projects.
“Regardless of whether you live in a big city, a small town or on a family farm, all Iowans can play an active role in conserving and protecting our precious natural resources, including our soil and water. Over the past decade, the Department has invested in more than 120 urban water quality projects, working alongside local partners to accelerate our statewide water quality progress,” said Secretary Naig. “Through this exciting partnership with the City of Davenport on the Goose Creek project, we will demonstrate how innovative practices can both improve the quality of the water leaving a residential area while also providing habitat and recreation for those enjoying a community park.”
The Department provides financial and technical assistance to the communities and organizations implementing these urban water quality practices. To receive state funding, the urban water quality projects must include education and outreach components and involve local partners. These community-based projects raise awareness about new stormwater management methods and encourage others to adopt similar practices to improve water quality.
“Davenport is thrilled to learn that a project aimed at improving water quality and restoring the streambank on one of our local waterways, Goose Creek, has been selected to receive funding,” said Mike Matson, Mayor of Davenport. “The project was chosen among 13 other water quality projects in Iowa, and is an important step towards enhancing the quality of water and habitat both locally and downstream.”
These urban conservation projects include water quality practices like bioretention cells, bioswales, native plantings, permeable pavers, rain gardens, soil quality restoration, and wetlands among many other proven practices.
Bloomfield
Fox River-Bloomfield Square Permeable Pavers with Sidewalk Phase 2
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $216,250
The City of Bloomfield is updating the Historical Bloomfield Square north and west sidewalks by installing permeable pavers and bioretention cells. These practices intercept stormwater from the sidewalks and filter it before releasing it to storm drains, rivers, and streams. The city is in the final stages of Phase 1 by replacing the south side of the square using funding from the Department’s 2022 investment in this project.
