Keokuk, IA – Keeping the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison is one of the top priorities for a group traveling to Des Moines this week.
Dozens of representatives from Lee, Des Moines, Henry, and Louisa Counties will also spend the next two days lobbying for commercial property tax reform in Iowa and for the extension of a popular tax incentive program.
Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katie O'Brien says the Great River Region Days trip is effective because it allows Southeast Iowa to speak in one voice.
O'Brien says, along with the three critical priorities, the group will also push for funding for roads, airports, and other infrastructure projects.
You can hear more with Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katie O'Brien by clicking the audio link above.
Additional Information
* A similar lobbying effort will take place in Washington DC in May.
* O'Brien points to the Southeast Iowa Regional Economic and Port Authority and the proposed Highway 61 Bypass around Fort Madison as examples of the impact of past lobbying efforts