Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig marked state Soil and Water Conservation Week with an announcement of 12 urban water quality projects that will receive funding from the State Water Quality Initiative. Jefferson County Kids Incorporated and their bioretention cells project in Fairfield was selected to receive just over $53,000. Jefferson County Kids Incorporated, Pathfinders Resource Conservation and Development, and the Jefferson County Health Center are working to install seven bioretention cells at the site of its new childcare center. These units will include native plants that absorb rainwater into the soil and help reduce the volume of water flow to the parking lot and protect Indian Creek. It also includes plans for two acres of soil quality restoration following construction.

Led by Naig, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and its 12 bureaus work to ensure animal health, food safety, consumer protection and conservation efforts.