Environmental trust account signed into law

DES MOINES – Gov. Chet Culver signed legislation today that would provide constitutional protection for future money dedicated to preserve and improve Iowa's natural resources.

During a ceremony at the Izaak Walton League in Des Moines, the governor signed Senate File 2310, a bipartisan effort that establishes a new fund to protect and enhance Iowa's water quality. It also creates a natural resources and soil conservation and watershed protection account to receive allocations from the trust fund.

Iowans will vote in November on a ballot measure on whether a constitutionally protected fund will be created to conserve Iowa's natural resources. If the measure passes, S.F. 2310 will ensure that the taxpayer money intended to support parks, trails, fish, wildlife and agricultural lands will be protected.

“It takes care of every outdoor activity we can think of,” said Sen. Dick Dearden, D-Des Moines, who helped spearhead an effort that has been in the making for more than four years by a host of Iowa groups and advocates.

Money would only flow into the newly created account, however, if lawmakers and the governor decide at some future time to increase the state's sales tax. If that happens, three-eights of a penny increase in the state sales tax would be earmarked to the natural resources trust fund.

The governor praised the bill as a “common-sense” measure that will position the state on future decisions regarding funding to protection Iowa's land, lakes, rivers, streams and outdoor activities.

“A ‘yes' vote on the amendment in November will guarantee taxpayers' money goes where it is supposed to go,” Culver said. “The bill I signed today does not raise taxes. Instead, it gives the legislature clear direction as to what process must be followed if the amendment passes.”

The bill requires the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and the directors of the state Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources to make their decisions related to this fund in consultation with other bodies that govern natural resources policies. It provides for strict and comprehensive oversight of any funds by annual audits by either a private accountant or the state auditor, in addition to the heads of three state departments. This committee will submit regular reports to the governor detailing the management of the fund.

The measures are contingent on Iowans' vote on the amendment, and will take effect in January 2011 if the legislative action proposing the amendment is ratified.

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