Legislative Alert!
 
The Iowa House RIIF Committee has “zeroed-out” the Rivers Program for       Dam Safety Mitigation and River Trails!!!
 
We do not know the reason for ending the program at this point, but it is very important for Iowans to speak up for funding today.  Many communities have modified or removed dangerous “low-head dams” using this program. 
 
Because of the demand from communities needing these projects, we have been asking for a $3,000,000 appropriation this year, an increase from the $2,000,000 we have worked for in the past three years.  Adding funds from local communities and federal resources leverages the funds from this state program, making it very effective.  Modifying dams also has helped bring white water parks to Iowa and improved the fishing in the reconnected river segments.
 
There are still many, many dams that need to be modified to keep unsuspecting people from being pulled into these “drowning-machines”.  The tragic deaths of boaters, anglers, wading children, and outdoors people drowning while enjoying Iowa’s outdoors needs to be stopped.  Support from this program is critical in saving lives.

This will be on the floor of the house tomorrow.  Contact these Legislators on the House RIIF committee now and ask them to restore the $2 million in dam safety funding:

 The Capitol Phone Number for all of these legislators is: 515-281-3221.
Dan Huseman dan.huseman@legis.iowa.gov
John Kooiker john.kooiker@legis.iowa.gov
Dennis Cohoon dennis.cohoon@legis.iowa.gov
Dave Dawson dave.dawson@legis.iowa.gov
Nancy Dunkel nancy.dunkel@legis.iowa.gov
Jake Highfill jake.highfill@legis.iowa.gov
Jim Lykam jim.lykam@legis.iowa.gov.
Dave Maxwell dave.maxwell@legis.iowa.gov
Quentin Stanerson quentin.stanerson@legis.iowa.gov
 
Then call your own legislator and let her/him know the importance of river funding in Iowa!  Find your legislator here




Jerry Peckumn
Board Chair