Arts and rec investments boost economy, middle class

    Iowa’s great quality of life is bolstered by arts, culture and recreation. These opportunities are important to community development, enriching local amenities and attracting young professionals. In addition, they create jobs, draw investments and stimulate the economy through tourism.
    Travel spending in Iowa totaled $7.8 billion in 2013, an increase of 1.3 percent from 2012. This spending supports 65,400 jobs and close to $1.2 billion in payroll income.
    According to a report on the economic impact of Iowa travel in 2013, Franklin County generated $12 million in travel expenditures, with 70 workers in the county earning more than $1 million. Butler County took in almost $9 million from travel, with 30 workers earning about $680,000. Cerro Gordo County boasted $187 million in travel expenditures, with 1,470 workers earning close to $25 million.
    The investments the Legislature made this year will help ensure the attractiveness and vitality of Iowa communities by providing great things to do, see and learn. We’re preserving and enhancing Iowa’s cultural resources and recreation experiences through:
    • Community Attraction & Tourism (CAT) Grants, which go to recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational attractions.
    • Community Cultural Grants, which support job creation for Iowans who contribute to the cultural vitality of our state.
    • Iowa Great Places, which brings together resources to help communities, regions and neighborhoods enhance what makes them unique.
    • Investing in the arts, cultural endeavors and historic preservation through a variety of initiatives at Iowa’s Department of Cultural Affairs.
    • Improving the Iowa State Fair and our county fairs, which offer local fun and a celebration of our state’s agricultural heritage.
    • Providing $16 million for REAP, Iowa’s popular Resource Enhancement and Protection Program for our natural and cultural resources.
    • Creating a statewide trail system of rivers and lakes that is fun, safe and interesting for outdoor enthusiasts.
    • Recreational trails funding to establish hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling and horseback riding routes throughout the state.