This article first appeared in INHF's Fall 2008 magazine.
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REAP dollars support eight diverse program areas.
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by Ann Y. Robinson
Most Iowans will never realize how much they owe to the Iowa Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program for making our state a better place to live. Unless, that is, they happen to notice one of those signs, now ubiquitous across Iowa, that feature Iowa’s state bird and flower over bold letters, signifying that “REAP was here.”
REAP is funded by the Environment First Fund, which receives revenues from gaming receipts and the sale of natural resource license plates. The program accomplished more than ever this year, thanks to increased appropriations of $18 million. With additional income from license plates and interest, REAP’s 2008 budget totaled about $19 million – up from $15.5 million last year. The program is authorized at $20 million each year.
“The recent budget increase resulted from many years of dedicated public education by the REAP Alliance members, leadership from Governor Culver and strong bipartisan support by legislators who appreciate the program’s value, even in tight budget years,” said Lisa Hein, INHF Program and Planning Director.
INHF has played an important leadership role in the REAP Alliance, a coalition of 37 organizations, since the program’s inception. INHF President Mark Ackelson co-coordinates the Alliance with Don Brazelton, Executive Secretary of the Iowa Association of County Conservation Boards.
Lost Opportunities
“Though the 2008 increases were a huge boost, REAP still has not reached its full potential,” Hein said. “It still hasn’t received its full authorized funding, which means many excellent projects are delayed or lost.”
Only 37 of the 101 grant requests submitted this year received full or partial REAP funding. Another seven projects – including a water quality improvement and land protection project in Tama County and an addition to the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Perry – would have received grants if the program had been fully funded.
While some of the unsuccessful projects may eventually find funding, others will be lost forever. Many more projects would have been lost, however, without the 2008 funding increase.
Ann Y. Robinson is outreach coordinator at INHF.
For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.