Iowa's Water & Land Legacy Trust Fund
In 2006, a bipartisan group of legislators and stakeholders formed to find the best solution for protecting Iowa’s natural resources. After three years of research and discussion, they unanimously recommended the creation of a constitutionally protected trust fund to provide permanent funding for Iowa’s natural resources. The amendment states that three-eighths of one-cent revenue from the next sales tax increase will forever be allocated to the Trust Fund.
Over 90 percent of legislators in the General Assembly, both Democrats and Republicans, voted to refer the Iowa's Water and Land Legacy (IWILL) amendment to the ballot in 2010, and 63 percent of Iowa voters supported the creation of the Trust Fund.
The amendment passed as a result of work by supporters of conservation in Iowa, including a bipartisan coalition of over 120 organizations representing all of Iowa’s 99 counties.
Benefits for water quality, habitat, the land and your community
It is estimated that when the Iowa's Water and Land Legacy is funded, it will provide up to $180 million each year for conservation in Iowa and would provide a permanent and accountable funding mechanism for water quality initiatives, conservation of agricultural soils, improvement of existing natural areas and fish and wildlife habitat protection.
The referendum specifically noted how the funds raised would be spent.
To date, the legislature has not raised the state sales tax, leaving the Trust Fund empty and Iowans waiting for clean waterways and better outdoor opportunities. Updates and additional information is at IWILL.
In 2006, a bipartisan group of legislators and stakeholders formed to find the best solution for protecting Iowa’s natural resources. After three years of research and discussion, they unanimously recommended the creation of a constitutionally protected trust fund to provide permanent funding for Iowa’s natural resources. The amendment states that three-eighths of one-cent revenue from the next sales tax increase will forever be allocated to the Trust Fund.
Over 90 percent of legislators in the General Assembly, both Democrats and Republicans, voted to refer the Iowa's Water and Land Legacy (IWILL) amendment to the ballot in 2010, and 63 percent of Iowa voters supported the creation of the Trust Fund.
The amendment passed as a result of work by supporters of conservation in Iowa, including a bipartisan coalition of over 120 organizations representing all of Iowa’s 99 counties.
Benefits for water quality, habitat, the land and your community
It is estimated that when the Iowa's Water and Land Legacy is funded, it will provide up to $180 million each year for conservation in Iowa and would provide a permanent and accountable funding mechanism for water quality initiatives, conservation of agricultural soils, improvement of existing natural areas and fish and wildlife habitat protection.
The referendum specifically noted how the funds raised would be spent.
- Up to two-thirds of the total revenue for the trust fund is available for voluntary, non-regulatory private land conservation projects.
- The vast majority of the trust fund dollars are designated for water quality improvement projects, including lake restoration, wildlife habitat projects and flood protection efforts.
- Critical funding for the Nutrient Reduction Strategy would be realized with this fund.
- Significant trust fund dollars can be allocated for wildlife habitat, parks and nature preserves — ensuring open spaces for the next generation to enjoy Iowa’s traditions of hunting, angling and outdoor recreation.
To date, the legislature has not raised the state sales tax, leaving the Trust Fund empty and Iowans waiting for clean waterways and better outdoor opportunities. Updates and additional information is at IWILL.
