This bill aims to enhance water quality management in Iowa by establishing a comprehensive framework that includes funding for various initiatives such as a water quality monitoring network, agricultural best management practices tax credits, the Iowa clean water farm program, and a water quality practices loans and grants program. It appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2026-2027, allocating $600,000 to the Iowa Flood Center for monitoring efforts and $31,725,000 to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (DALS) for supporting watershed projects, education, outreach, and urban soil conservation efforts.

Key components of the bill include the introduction of the Agricultural Best Management Practices (ABMP) Tax Credit, which allows taxpayers to claim a credit for unreimbursed costs related to eligible practices, and the Clean Water Farm (CWF) Program, providing a property tax credit for certified agricultural land. The ABMP credit is refundable and available for up to 10 consecutive tax years, while the CWF credit is renewable annually without further application. Additionally, the bill establishes a Water Quality Practices Loans and Grants Program administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to offer no-interest loans and grants for pollution prevention projects. Both tax credits will apply to tax years and assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8.57A