Homers

VISION PROGRESS: The riverfront amphitheater project in Cedar Rapids moved ahead with approval from the Vision Iowa Board's approval of the project. Now the city begins negotiating on the amount of the grant; $2 million is the goal toward the $8.7 million project. We like this project because it enhances entertainment options and also would play a role in the city's new flood protection plan. Meanwhile, $850,00 was granted toward Linn County's $3.645 million Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center project, which will nearly double the center's size for more activities and concentrate conservation department employees in one place, allowing more open hours for public use.

lll

GROWING CORRIDOR: The 2010 Census shows continued strong population growth in the Corridor over the past decade despite the flood of 2008 setbacks and national recession. Cedar Rapids grew 4.6 percent, Coralville 25 percent, Marion 32.2 percent, Iowa City 9 percent, Linn County 10.2 percent and Johnson County 17.9 percent. The Corridor and Des Moines still are the state's strongest growth areas. The biggest Census negative: Much of rural Iowa continues to decline.

n Comments: thegazette.com/category/opinion/editorial or

editorial@sourcemedia.net