– Former Iowa Agriculture Secretary and USDA Official Bill Northey Dies at 64
– The Sioux City Council is taking action on a water park grant application.
Remembering Bill Northey: A Leader in Iowa Agriculture
Today, we mourn the loss of former Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey, who passed away at the age of 64. Governor Kim Reynolds pays tribute to his life and work, highlighting his unmatched dedication to the agriculture industry in Iowa.
Bill Northey, born in Spirit Lake, Iowa in 1959, served as Minister of Agriculture from 2007 to 201. He later held the position of Under Secretary for Agricultural Production and Conservation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2018 to 2021.
Below-Average Discharge Expected in the Missouri River Basin
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forecasts below-average discharge into the main reservoir system of the Missouri River Basin this year, despite last year’s above-average discharge. The projected discharge in the basin above Sioux City for 2024 is 20.1 MAF, which is 78% of the average. This forecast is based on current runoff trends, drier than normal ground conditions, and below-average snowpack in the plains and mountains.
Sources: nwd.usace.army.mil
Iowa Receives $2.5 Million to Combat the Opioid Crisis
Iowa will receive over $2.5 million from a national settlement to address the opioid crisis. Attorney General Brenna Bird, along with a bipartisan coalition of 53 attorneys general, announced a $350 million settlement with Publicis Health.
The settlement follows extensive investigations that uncovered deceptive marketing practices by Publicis, downplaying the risks and addictive nature of opioids. Publicis actively contributed to the opioid crisis by assisting Purdue Pharma in promoting OxyContin and other opioids.
Under the terms of the settlement, Publicis will provide $350 million nationwide to support opioid treatment, recovery, and prevention efforts. They will also disclose internal documents related to their work for opioid companies. Additionally, Publicis will cease accepting new clients for marketing and promoting Schedule II opioid-based narcotics and other Schedule II narcotics.
Source: iowaattorneygeneral.gov
Sioux City Council Supports Grant Application for New Water Park
The Sioux City Council has passed a resolution in support of a grant application for the construction of a new water park within the city. Siouxland Splash, LLC and Frontline Development, LLC plan to purchase property at 3820 Highway 75 North for this project.
The proposed water park will span 10 hectares and require an investment of $10 million to $15 million. It is scheduled to open in the 2025 season. To fund the necessary infrastructure, the city will apply for funding from the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) program, specifically for building the required roads.
To qualify for RISE funding in this category, the project must demonstrate a significant economic impact from out-of-state visitors. Economic impact studies commissioned by the water park developers indicate that they meet the eligibility threshold. The estimated cost for road construction is $1,375,925, with an additional $1,125,988 for turn lanes.
Source: sioux-city.org
As we remember Bill Northey’s contributions to Iowa agriculture, we also keep an eye on important developments in the Missouri River Basin and efforts to combat the opioid crisis. Additionally, Sioux City’s plans for a new water park promise exciting future opportunities for both locals and visitors.
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– Former Iowa Agriculture Secretary and USDA Official Bill Northey Dies at 64: This long-tailed keyword highlights the news of the passing of Bill Northey, former Iowa Agriculture Secretary and USDA Official.
– The Sioux City Council is taking action on a water park grant application: This long-tailed keyword focuses on the Sioux City Council’s current involvement in a water park grant application..
