Iowa Awards Over $450,000 for Water Quality at Eight Lakes

Illinois and Iowa officials have announced significant funding initiatives to improve water quality through conservation and pollution control programs. The Illinois EPA is offering $750,000 in grants under its Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Plan Program to support projects that assess and manage water pollution, focusing on both point and nonpoint sources. Meanwhile, Iowa's Publicly Owned Lakes program has allocated over $450,000 in cost-share funding to nine Soil and Water Conservation Districts, aimed at encouraging private landowners to implement conservation practices such as cover crops, grassed waterways, and sediment control basins to reduce nutrient runoff and sediment pollution. These funds target eight public lakes across the state, including Casey Lake, Three Mile Lake, and others, with the goal of preserving water quality and enhancing recreational and ecological value. Iowa officials emphasize the collaborative efforts between state agencies, local districts, and landowners to maintain vibrant, healthy lakes that provide economic and environmental benefits. Both states highlight the importance of these investments in safeguarding natural water resources for future generations.