Relating to the management of soil and water resources, by providing for certain practices and projects, including projects described in the Iowa nutrient reduction strategy

1), which regulates soil erosion and authorizes the payment of cost-share incentives for soil and water conservation practices administered by the department of agriculture and land stewardship (department) and soil and water conservation districts (districts) throughout the state; Code chapter 161C, authorizing districts and other political subdivisions to work in conjunction in carrying out districtwide and multiple district water protection projects; Code chapter 161E, authorizing counties and districts, political subdivisions, and other local agencies to provide for flood control or soil erosion control; and Code chapter 161F, authorizing the board of supervisors of a county to establish soil conservation and flood control districts. The bill amends Code chapter 161A by providing for efforts that promote and improve soil health. The division of soil conservation and water quality is required to carry out authorized projects relating to soil erosion prevention and mitigation, watershed protection or improvement, water resource restoration, flood prevention or control, water quality protection practices, water quality projects and operations, and soil health protection and improvement. The bill amends Code chapters 161C, 161E, and 161F to provide that along with traditional duties and powers exercised by districts and political subdivisions to prevent soil erosion and flooding, they may also carry out projects to maintain, protect, and improve water quality. The bill amends Code chapters 161C and 161E to allow financial partners to participate in funding authorized projects. A financial partner includes a public or private agency that extends funding through different financial instruments to support public works.