Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Governor Culver Signs Legislation In Eastern Iowa
RECAT and Green Building Standards bills signed into law in Cedar Rapids, Muscatine
**NOTE: The RECAT appropriation is $12 million**
( Des Moines )- Today, Governor Chet Culver signed Senate File 2430 at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids along the Cedar River . SF 2430 authorizes the River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism Program, also known as RECAT. The RECAT appropriation is $12 million this year and provides financial assistance to communities in their effort to reinvent and reinvigorate their riverfronts, and will leverage state funding into significant local and private investments. Additionally, SF 2430 creates a funding mechanism for “Micro-Enterprises,” which are businesses with fewer than five employees. SF 2430 also provides funding to assist low-income families in establishing savings accounts at banks, through a state match in funds to eligible applicants.
Governor Culver said, “I’m pleased to sign this important piece of legislation. Iowa ’s waterways have an important place in Iowa history. Marquette and Joliet were the first Europeans to navigate the Mississippi River in 1673 and following the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark made their famous expedition up the Missouri River along our state’s western border.”
He added, “This legislation will allow riverfront communities to thrive and is a good investment for Iowa . Additionally, this bill is good for environmental tourism, it’s good for economic development, and for Iowa families. RECAT is an example of what can happen when we put partisan politics aside, and focus on what’s best for Iowans.”
Governor Culver started the day in Muscatine at Muscatine Power and Water where he signed Senate File 517. This legislation is another important tool for the state of Iowa as it looks to become more energy independent. By allowing the State Building Commissioner to promulgate rules for “Green Building Standards,” this bill provides an update of the State Building Code to meet the building needs of the future. This will result in increased energy efficiency and cost savings for businesses and everyday Iowans all across the state. This legislation also revives the State Energy Bank program that provides low interest loans to schools and other public buildings that are retrofitted for energy efficiency purposes.