State Legislature's passage of water quality legislation earns State Representative Mike Bergan's vote

State Representative Michael Bergan of Decorah was one of the 59 members of the Iowa House of Representatives who voted in favor of a water quality bill this week, sending the bill to the Governor's Office for signature.

The bill commits $282 million over the next 12 years for water quality initiatives.  The money would come from two existing funding sources--a tax on metered drinking water and state gambling revenue.

Said Bergan, "This investment will leverage additional commitments from land owners in nutrient management and soil conservation practices across Iowa."  He also noted a provision in the bill to provide funding to "disadvantaged communities" for wastewater and drinking water treatment, which he says will benefit small communities in Iowa.

Concluded Bergan, "I look forward to continued work on measures and funding that will address water quality and preservation of our natural resources."