Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2004

Introduced
1/9/24  
Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

A bill for an act creating a driftless area development and conservation authority and fund.

Impact

The bill creates a new governance structure aimed at facilitating cooperation among state and federal agencies, local counties, and conservation entities. By pooling resources and expertise, the authority is expected to streamline conservation initiatives and ensure a collaborative approach to addressing environmental challenges in the driftless region. In doing so, it gives these counties a formal mechanism to advocate for and manage conservation efforts while utilizing funds created through the driftless area development and conservation fund for various projects.

Summary

House File 2004 establishes the Driftless Area Development and Conservation Authority along with a corresponding fund. The purpose of this authority is to address rural development and conservation efforts in the unique driftless region of northeast Iowa, which includes counties such as Allamakee, Clayton, Dubuque, Delaware, Fayette, Jackson, and Winneshiek. Each of these counties will have one voting member on the authority, which is designed to oversee projects involving natural resources and other infrastructure opportunities in the area.

Contention

There may be concerns about the effectiveness of the new authority and fund given the varying interests among the member counties. Some stakeholders might worry about the potential for disparity in project prioritization, as each county has its unique challenges and needs. Furthermore, while the bill does facilitate collaboration, it does not alter the existing authority of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources over public lands, ensuring that state-level management continues so that there is no overlap in responsibilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HB4248

DALCI Act Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative Act

IA HF2246

A bill for an act relating to the creation of land redevelopment trusts.

IA HSB674

A bill for an act relating to the conservation and improvement of soil and water resources, including by providing for the administration of associated programs and regulations.(See HF 2614, HF 2642.)

IA HF2614

A bill for an act relating to the conservation and improvement of soil and water resources, including by providing for the administration of associated programs and regulations, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 674; See HF 2642.)

IA HF2642

A bill for an act relating to the conservation and improvement of soil and water resources, including by providing for the administration of associated programs and regulations, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 2614, HSB 674.)

IA HF1043

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations involving state government entities associated with agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection, and providing penalties.(Formerly HSB 338.)

IA HF2450

A bill for an act relating to economic development and energy shortages under the purview of the economic development authority and governor, and providing penalties.(Formerly HSB 622.)

IA SSB3109

A bill for an act relating to economic development and energy shortages under the purview of the economic development authority and governor, and providing penalties.(See SF 2289.)

IA HSB622

A bill for an act relating to economic development and energy shortages under the purview of the economic development authority and governor, and providing penalties.(See HF 2450.)

IA HSB338

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations involving state government entities associated with agriculture, food regulation, natural resources, and environmental protection, and providing penalties.(See HF 1043.)

Similar Bills

US HB4248

DALCI Act Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative Act

MN HF3377

Environment and natural resources trust fund; previous appropriations modified, and money appropriated.

MN SF3507

Environmental and natural resources trust fund appropriation and modification

US SB5335

Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act of 2024 Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act