Sen. Chuck Grassley today praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) new designation of two areas of Iowa as participants in the Resource Conservation and Development Program. They are the Cedar Valley and Prairie Rivers areas.
"This designation is important to communities trying to balance resource conservation with economic development," Grassley said. "No one wants to lose natural resources to gain jobs. Extra assistance through this program helps areas meet several important goals at the same time."
The Resource Conservation and Development Program helps people in small communities plan and carry out activities that increase the conservation of natural resources, support economic development and enhance the environment and standard of living in those communities. USDA provides technical assistance in the form of a coordinator. The coordinator serves as a point of access to USDA programs and services that help the participating communities. Each Resource Conservation and Development Program area is locally led by councils consisting of volunteers, civic leaders and locally elected officials.
Projects under way in the 315 existing Resource Conservation and Development areas include ones that reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, enhance recreational and tourism facilities, develop and diversify local business opportunities, assist child and elder care, and improve sewage treatment.
With the addition of several new areas, including those in Iowa, there will be 348 Resource Conservation and Development areas nationwide.