Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2004

Introduced
1/9/24  
Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

A bill for an act creating a driftless area development and conservation authority and fund.

Impact

The bill creates a new governance structure aimed at facilitating cooperation among state and federal agencies, local counties, and conservation entities. By pooling resources and expertise, the authority is expected to streamline conservation initiatives and ensure a collaborative approach to addressing environmental challenges in the driftless region. In doing so, it gives these counties a formal mechanism to advocate for and manage conservation efforts while utilizing funds created through the driftless area development and conservation fund for various projects.

Summary

House File 2004 establishes the Driftless Area Development and Conservation Authority along with a corresponding fund. The purpose of this authority is to address rural development and conservation efforts in the unique driftless region of northeast Iowa, which includes counties such as Allamakee, Clayton, Dubuque, Delaware, Fayette, Jackson, and Winneshiek. Each of these counties will have one voting member on the authority, which is designed to oversee projects involving natural resources and other infrastructure opportunities in the area.

Contention

There may be concerns about the effectiveness of the new authority and fund given the varying interests among the member counties. Some stakeholders might worry about the potential for disparity in project prioritization, as each county has its unique challenges and needs. Furthermore, while the bill does facilitate collaboration, it does not alter the existing authority of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources over public lands, ensuring that state-level management continues so that there is no overlap in responsibilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HB7330

DALCI Act Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative Act

IA AB1548

Conservation: the Monterey Bay Area Stewardship Authority.

IA HF142

A bill for an act creating conservation area designations subject to modified property tax levy rates and eliminating the forest and fruit-tree reservation property tax exemption program.

IA S0711

Restructures the Rhode Island Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, increases its membership to 15 members, 11 of whom are to be from the general public and reallocates the percentage of the funds for housing, conservation and other goals.

IA H5310

Restructures the Rhode Island Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, increases its membership to 15 members, 11 of whom are to be from the general public and reallocates the percentage of the funds for housing, conservation and other goals.

IA S2299

Creates Highlands Conservation Trust to preserve land in Highlands Region, and authorizes Highlands conservation license plate to raise revenue therefor.

IA A3718

Creates Highlands Conservation Trust to preserve land in Highlands Region, and authorizes Highlands conservation license plate to raise revenue therefor.

IA SF2485

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including to the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and state board of regents and certain regents institutions.(Formerly SSB 3188.)

IA HB2317

Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2025 Fernley Economic Development Act Elko Economic Development Act Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act

IA SSB1223

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for the economic development of the state, including the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, department of workforce development, and certain state board of regents institutions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.