Mike Naig:
Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says the recently concluded state legislative session was highlighted by a historic investment in clean water.
He tells Brownfield the “Farm to Faucet” water quality package realigns existing resources without raising taxes and focuses investments where they deliver the greatest impact.
“It totals $320 million over the next 12 years that we’re going to put into things like targeted conservation work upstream from the Des Moines metropolitan area and investing in nitrate reduction.”
Naig says it also provides grants and loans for smaller communities.
“To invest in drinking water, wastewater, and storm water treatment. It’s a comprehensive package that invests in things that are working and doing more of that.”
The package includes a $25 million grant to Central Iowa Water Works to expand infrastructure and double nitrate removal capacity within the next three years.
Naig says water quality has drawn major attention statewide. His emphasis is to find solutions rather than placing blame.
“We need more cover crops and more nutrient management, but we also have to recognize that our metropolitan areas are growing and with that comes an increased need to treat water. That’s just reality. Let’s just talk about that openly, and let’s not talk about it in terms of blame or trying to politicize the issue.”
He says concerned residents don’t want excuses when it comes to water quality, they want action.
