Congressman Loebsack voted to secure $1,406,000 for Iowans in the Agriculture Appropriations Bill. Congressman Loebsack included funding for projects that would benefit Iowa farmers by providing means for conservation and environmental management measures, funding for the Watershed Demonstration Project, and the Soap Creek Watershed Project.

“I am committed to working with our farmers and conservation organizations to ensure that the needs of rural Iowans are not overlooked. By giving our farmers the means to manage runoff and implement conservation focused farming techniques, we not only enhance our farm operations, we also invest and protect our land,” said Congressman Loebsack. “Additionally, as the floods of last summer taught us, watershed maintenance and management are critical components to flood protection and prevention.”

The funds will help provide technical assistance and administration of environmental management programs for farmers to help them manage runoff and other conservation focused farming techniques. Additionally, funding was secured by the Congressman for watershed management and flood prevention operations.

Below are the details of the funds:

•    Certified Environmental Management Systems for Agriculture (CEMSA) with the Iowa Soybean Association: $288,000

•    Watershed Management and Demonstration Program with the Iowa Soybean Association:   $134,000

•    Soap Creek Watershed Project with the Soap Creek Watershed Board: $984,000