Lang
7/21/23
Proposed rule changes for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources would make it easier for child abusers to run park concessions and give the DNR director sole authority in deciding which projects would receive federal grant money.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports the DNR is considering new rules that would eliminate the current practice of checking the names of potential vendors against the state’s child abuse registry. Criminal background checks would still be conducted.
Vendors include contractors who sell concessions, rent boats and offer other services at state parks. The new vendor rules would also scrap the current policy of forcing vendors to provide healthy food as part of their menus. Vendor contracts could also be extended to ten years in certain situations. Current contracts are set at five years.
DNR officials told the Gazette they have recently had issues finding vendors, and the new rules would give them more options and generate more interest.
Another proposed new rule would give the Iowa DNR director the final say in which projects receive funding from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. The fund matches 50% of expenses for outdoor recreation area development and acquisitions. The funding is currently doled out by the seven-member Natural Resource Commission. The commission would still vote on funding, but the new rules would give the DNR director the ability to “review, amend, reject or approve” any proposals.
The proposed changes are part of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ revamping of state government. They will be discussed during a public hearing in September.