When you’re voting this year, don’t forget to turn the ballot over for the three ballot initiatives on the Johnson County ballot.
The most important of the three for Iowa City residents is the $30 million conservation bond , which will be used “to protect the water quality in rivers, lakes and streams; protect forests to improve air quality; protect natural areas and wildlife habitat from development; and provide for parks and trails.”
The Press-Citizen editorial board encourages everyone to vote “yes” on this bond issue.
In 2008, Johnson County voters trusted the Conservation Board with a $20 million bond, which the board leveraged to raise an additional $17 million. That money funded 15 projects , including a trail from Coralville to Kent Park, a restoration of the lake at Kent Park as well as a new showerhouse and campground entry. The board financed the installation of numerous other trails like Hoover Trail, Iowa River Trail at Mehaffey Bridge, and the conservation loop at Cedar River Crossing.