A majority (81%) of voters backed the 2nd Polk County Water & Land Legacy Bond on Tuesday, a report said. This allows the county in Iowa to borrow up to $65 million to fund trails, parks, and water-related projects.
This was more than the majority of support for a similar referendum in 2012, where only 72% voted in favor of the $50 million measure.
The referendum required more than 60% to get it approved.
The new funds are expected to help improve rivers and creeks to make them more accessible to canoeing, tubing, kayaking, and more. The subsequent tourism brought about by these waterways is anticipated to bring about $30 million net to the Des Moines metro area’s economy per year.
Other projects likely to benefit from the vote include the construction of a new campground and other improvements to Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, the proposed Copper Creek Mountain Bike Park, recreational trails, improvements to water quality, habitat restorations, as well as enhancements to Trestle Trail Bridge located in Johnston among other things.
The typical homeowner in the county is expected to pay an additional $11 in property taxes every year to pay back the loan over 12 years.
