BLUE GRASS, Iowa — It’s a full-time job keeping the natural prairie land and wildlife in the Quad Cities safe as our world evolves. The Scott County Conservation organization is allowing the public to hear how they arrange funding to maintain our diverse environment.

A meeting will be held at the Blue Grass Public Safety Building on Oct. 26 starting at 10 a.m. to discuss where future funding is needed. In the past, the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) has given monetary support to places like the Muscatine Historical Center archives and the Environmental Learning Center. REAP money has also contributed to the natural conservation efforts initiated by the state of Iowa back in 1989.

Since 1989, REAP funding has nearly reached $390 million for projects statewide for cities, counties and state parks. About $5 million has been provided to Scott and Muscatine counties since funding began.

This meeting in Blue Grass is the first step in requesting state funding, after meeting in October delegates from the area will be sent to a statewide conference in January after the new year to propose plans. The REAP Congress then decides which projects need funding most.

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