|
Senate Update: Tourism grows the economy and improves quality of life
by Bob Dvorsky, State Senator · Op-Ed · June 23, 2016
Summer is here, and it’s time to enjoy all that Iowa has to offer.
Our great quality of life is bolstered by the arts, culture and recreation. These opportunities and amenities are important to local communities. They attract families and young professionals to make Iowa their home, create jobs, draw business investment and boost tourism.
Travel and tourism have a huge impact in Iowa, with spending growing faster than the national average in recent years. In 2014, travelers spent more than $8 billion and supported 66,500 Iowa jobs.
The Legislature’s investments this year should help continue that trend, while providing great things to do, see and learn. We’re preserving and enhancing Iowa’s history, culture, arts and recreation with:
• $16 million for Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) (HF 2454). Iowa’s popular REAP program nurtures the state’s natural and cultural resources. Since 1989, the program has provided millions to projects in our local counties, including $7,045,760 in Johnson and $811,676 in Cedar. Find out about projects made possible with this money at www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/REAP.
• Improved Historic Preservation Tax Credits (HF 2443), which help rehabilitate historic buildings and revitalize communities big and small throughout the state. Learn more at www.iowaculture.gov.
• A new initiative to enhance Iowa’s economic development, create recreational and cultural opportunities, and improve natural resources (SF 2308). Iowa communities will have more chances to bring in events with regional and national appeal, such as NCAA sports, U.S. Olympic Trials, professional golf tournaments, NASCAR and Special Olympics.
• Improvements to Iowa parks, fairs, trails, waterways, and unique local attractions and events that make our state a great place to live, work and play (SF 2324, HF 2454).
To contact Senator Dvorsky during the week, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise he can be reached at home at 319-351-0988. E-mail him at bob.dvorsky@legis.iowa.gov.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
