Branstad’s Water Quality Bill

An Iowa State University report says the governor’s $4.7 billion proposal to improve Iowa’s water quality over three decades would create 2,800 jobs annually and generate $691 million in economic activity.

Governor Terry Branstad has proposed extending a tax that supports schools and then diverting part of the revenue growth efforts to cut the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering Iowa’s lakes, rivers and streams.

Environmental groups say the governor’s plan fails to hold agriculture accountable for nutrient runoff.