Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the final four urban water quality projects funded in 2026, concluding a strong year of state investments in locally led urban conservation and water quality efforts. The latest projects in Kalona, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines will receive more than $1 million in state cost-share funding from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and generate a total investment of more than $2.8 million.
“Communities across Iowa continue to show what can be accomplished when local leadership, strong partnerships, and proven conservation practices come together,” said Secretary Naig. “This year’s investments are helping communities of all sizes manage stormwater, reduce nutrient loss, and protect local waterways. These projects put practical solutions to work while demonstrating how conservation and community development can go hand in hand. There is no finish line when it comes to conservation because there is always more work to do. We will continue working alongside communities to build on this momentum and deliver cleaner water for Iowans.”
With these latest awards, in addition to the projects announced in May, June, and July, the Department has invested more than $3.63 million in 16 urban water quality projects during 2026. The state investment leverages nearly $6.86 million in matching funds, resulting in $10.49 million invested in urban water quality projects this year. Since the urban conservation program began in 2015, IDALS has awarded more than $21 million in state funding to 154 projects for a combined $79.4 million invested in urban projects…