Linn County OKs Indian Creek participation

Linn County will participate in a new Indian Creek Watershed Management Authority, county supervisors decided today.

Without comment, supervisors passed a consent agenda including approval of an agreement with six other local jurisdictions within the watershed of the stream.

Indian Creek has its headwaters near Alburnett and flows through Cedar Rapids and Marion before joining the Cedar River at the Indian Creek Nature Center off Otis Road SE.

Robins' city council has approved participation in the agency, and the Hiawatha City Counci will vote on the question Aug. 1. The other local governments involved are Alburnett, Cedar Rapids, Marion, and the Linn County Soil & Water Conservation District.

Only two governments' participation is required to form the agency. Jurisdictions that agree to participate will name a representative to the watershed authority board.

The watershed agency won't have taxing authority but will coordinate zoning and planning policies and manage any grants or other funding for assessment, education, and management projects.