Vision Iowa - The History

The Vision Iowa Program was created through a partnership of the Iowa General Assembly and the Governor, with the support of local leaders throughout the state.

The 78th General Assembly passed legislation, known as SF 2447. It was signed by Governor Vilsack on May 9, 2000, and became effective July 1, 2000.

The program was designed to assist communities in the development and creation of permanent cultural, recreational, entertainment and educational attractions available to the general public. These attractions position a community to take advantage of economic development opportunities in tourism and strengthen a community’s competitiveness as a place to work and live.

The legislation also brought the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Program under the direction of the Vision Iowa Board.

The Vision Iowa Program was initially funded at $228.5 million. The CAT Program is currently established at $12 million per year through FY 2013.

In 2008, legislation was changed to direct $100,000 of the CAT fund to the marketing and promotion of Vision Iowa and CAT projects.

In 2009, funding was provided for the newly created River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism (RECAT) Program. RECAT was designed to provide financial assistance for recreational and entertainment attractions that relate to, connect with, and enhance a river, lake, or river corridor.