SL Mayor urges vote of support for water, land quality amendment

On the back of this year's Nov. 2 Election Ballot voters will have a chance to vote 'yes' or 'no' for a Constitutional amendment that would create a trust fund for the purpose of "protecting and enhancing water quality and natural areas in the State," Storm Lake Mayor Jon Kruse told the Lake Improvement Commission Monday. Kruse says the Storm Lake area has been 'greatly blessed,' with state funds each year for dredging but says each year it becomes more of a 'push and a tug,' to secure funds. If the Iowa Water and Land Legacy Amendment is voted in, Storm Lake and Buena Vista County would be eligible to apply for funds. Kruse has been a member of a committee that helped make the proposed amendment possible. The funds will be designated towards 'protecting, enhancing and resorting' wetlands, lakes, rivers, streams and fish and wildlife habitat.

"This is forever. This is our legacy we leave behind for our children, for our grandchildren," Kruse says. Establishing the trust funds would provide sustainable funding to meet unmet needs across the state. An estimated $150 million would be set aside each year, says Kruse.

Read more of this story in the September 2 Pilot Tribune.

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