Thursday, February 01, 2007
Governor Touts Energy and Health Care Initiatives in Eastern Iowa
Governor to Tour Solar Project and Visit Health Care Facilities
(DES MOINES) – Governor Chet Culver will travel today in Eastern Iowa to promote his 2008 Fiscal Year Budget Report. A strong proponent of alternative fuels, the Governor will tour the New Bohemia Solar Project in Cedar Rapids. The Project is an array of solar panels capable of generating 7,200 watts of electricity was installed in summer 2005 on the Kouba Building in southeast Cedar Rapids. The installation was completed through hands-on workshops which accomplished the dual purpose of installing the array and providing education on solar technology.
In both his Inaugural speech and his Budget Address, the Governor called on the Legislature to help him lead a 21st Century Iowa Expedition. During his Monday Budget Address, Governor Culver highlighted his commitment making Iowa the leader in renewable energy. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s related to wind or solar power, geothermal or biomass cellulosic ethanol, biodeisel, or E-85. Iowa needs to lead the way, and we need to create the essential public-private partnerships required to further develop these alternative energy opportunities,” said Governor Culver.
In the afternoon, the Governor will make stops in Davenport and Ottumwa at community health care facilities to discuss his plans to improve access to quality health care in Iowa. This will be a top priority of this Administration and Governor Culver’s budget proposal calls for an additional $140 million to meet immediate health care needs. “This is one of the biggest and most expensive challenges we face, but it cannot be ignored.” said the Governor. “We need to expand access to those who need it most. It is simply unacceptable that 50,000 kids in Iowa have no health care coverage and that has to change.”
Governor Culver’s Itinerary for Thursday, February 1, 2007:
9:00am Governor Culver Visit to Cedar Rapids
New Bohemia Solar Project
Kouba Building
1012 3rd St. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA
12:00pm Governor Culver Visit to Davenport
Community Health Care, Inc.
500 West River Drive
Davenport, IA
3:15pm Governor Culver Visit to Ottumwa
Ottumwa Regional Health Center
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue
Ottumwa, IA