Water quality bill stays alive in Iowa Senate, but some lawmakers have reservations

Legislation aimed at improving Iowa's water quality remained alive in the Iowa Senate Wednesday, despite serious reservations by some lawmakers who are unhappy with the measure's funding plans.Senate File 482, which has been proposed by Gov. Terry Branstad, mirrors legislation considered in the House last year. It would fund water quality projects by shifting money now spent on state infrastructure projects and by using sales tax dollars Iowans already pay on their water bills The bill was approved on a 2-1 Senate subcommittee vote, advancing it to the Senate Appropriations Committee and keeping the issue eligible for debate as the 2017 session nears adjournment. Sen. Jack Shipley, R-Nodaway, who chaired the meeting, said the measure isn't perfect, but it offers the potential to make progress on water quality problems.