Capitol Letters: Advancing pro-biodiesel, pro-farmer bill

State Rep. Megan Jones

Some of the best American-made liquid fuels are produced in Iowa: ethanol and biodiesel. This week, a House Ways and Means subcommittee advanced House File 2071, a bill I sponsored, and supported by Iowa’s biodiesel industry, as well as the Iowa soybean farmers.

HF 2071 increases a biodiesel production tax credit for plants located in Iowa from four cents to five cents per gallon. The bill changes the repeal date (expiration) for this tax credit from Jan. 1, 2028, to Jan. 1, 2031, to provide more certainty to the biodiesel industry. It is a production tax credit for Iowa-based plants which means incentives are only received if biodiesel gallons are actually produced in state. Over the past few years, three biodiesel plants have been closed impacting soybean bushel demand for Iowa farmers. Tax incentives such as the one included in HF 2071 is one method we are employing to strengthen Iowa’s farm economy through renewable fuels.

CAT Grants Awarded for Splashpad and Ballroom

Recently, the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved CAT Grants for two projects located in Spencer and Webster City.

The City of Spencer was awarded $224,000 to construct a new splash pad at Riverview Park adjacent to the city’s aquatic center. The project will include interactive water play features and pedestrian improvements to create a family-friendly recreation area within the park. Located near commercial districts and community gathering spaces, the splash pad will increase park use while supporting nearby restaurants, retail and service businesses. Total project cost is $1,122,158.

Local Initiative for Transformation, Webster City (LIFT WC) was awarded $104,926 for the Elks Ballroom project to finish the upper-level ballroom in the long-vacant historic Elks building in downtown Webster City. The project is the final phase of a seven-year, $3 million rehabilitation that included structural stabilization, exterior improvements, installation of an elevator and renovation of the main floor, which will house Wildcat Distilling Co. The ballroom is expected to host weddings, community events, meetings, live entertainment, and nonprofit gatherings. Total project cost is $430,926.

The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational, or entertainment facilities that enhance quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.

The last Storm Lake Legislative forum of the session will be held Saturday, April 18, from 10-11 a.m. at King’s Pointe Resort. 

Email Megan Jones at: megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov.