Hiking the Iowa (that's right) Rainfores t

“Forest of dreams?
Pork barrel projects light up energy bill
By Steve Turnham and Ted Barrett
CNN Washington Bureau
Friday, November 7, 2003 Posted: 5:48 PM EST (2248 GMT)



WASHINGTON (CNN) -- While Republican Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley's battle to increase corn-based ethanol production in the energy bill has grabbed the political headlines, he has been quietly working to get money set aside in the legislation for another project of special interest to his home state -- a massive rainforest smack in the middle of Iowa corn country.

The project, called the Iowa Environmental/Educational Project, was started by Des Moines millionaire Ted Townsend. It would build a huge rainforest on a 30-acre site near Iowa City. It's designed to be a tourist attraction and an educational facility.

Former Iowa Gov. Bob Ray argues that Iowa needs such projects to avoid becoming "a backwater."

The ultimate cost to the taxpayer would be $70 million over 10 years, according to Grassley's office.

Thank god for conservatives.”

“Liberals immediatley upon hearing of the republican's plans called for a desert to be built in Arkansas to prevent that state from becoming a backwater.”

“lol... yes, I know of this plan. Been on the burner awhile. They want to build it somewhere near Iowa's "destination mall," the Coral Ridge Mall on I-80 in Coralville/Iowa City/North Liberty.

So, Alaska, are you also up on the "Vision Iowa" program that is helping provide funds? Please do tell details on that also....”