"As a lifelong Iowan, it comes easy to brag about my homestate and its people," saidGrassley. "To me, there are countless reasons why Iowa is a destination state. And one of them isthe natural wonders nestled along the Missouri River basin in western Iowa. Reaching acrossseven counties, in parts of the most beautiful farmland in the country, it certainly ranks amongthe most outstanding natural wonders of the world."
"The Loess Hills are an Iowa treasure that should be shared with Congress and theworld," said Harkin. "The thousands of visitors to the U.S. Capitol this summer will have anopportunity to enjoy this exhibit. I am hopeful some of the families who visit the Capitol thissummer will see the exhibit and come to Iowa to hike the Loess Hills."
Loess Hills were formed by ancient glaciers and hundreds of centuries of westerly winds. Only the loess soil in China has accumulated as high as Iowa's. Twenty-five Loess Hillslandscape paintings and photographs will be on display in the Senate Russell Rotunda from July12-16. All of the works were created by Iowa and Nebraska artists. The exhibit is ending aninternational tour, having been recently displayed in Swaziland and Cambodia.
Harkin and Grassley offered legislation that would authorize a study that shall include,but not be limited to an analysis of the suitability and feasibility of designating the area as a unitof the National Park System; a National Heritage Area or Heritage Corridor; or other suchdesignation. The bipartisan bill also instructs the Secretary of the Interior to work with state andlocal officials and property owners in conducting the study. The bill was unanimously approvedby the Senate on July 1.
The Loess Hills Alliance has supported the Iowa senators' legislative efforts to helpprotect and preserve the unique area. The Alliance includes local leaders from the Loess Hillsarea with expertise in a broad variety of areas including economic development, conservationand preservation.