Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack to discuss water quality in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS - United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack plans to be in Cedar Rapids Friday to host a discussion about water quality and its impact on economic development.

The forum, which is not open to the public, begins at 11 a.m. at the Geonetric Building, 415 12th Ave. SE.

Speaking in Ames in August, the former Iowa governor said clean water is essential to Iowa's future economic success.

Recruiting businesses and attracting and retaining workers depends upon Iowa's ability to improve the quality of its water, he said.

Organizers of Friday's event said the list of those who have been invited to attend include representatives of local business and economic development groups, elected officials and community leaders.