News

Iowa submits proposals for ERS-NIFA relocation

The state of Iowa has submitted two proposals to USDA as the agency considers new locations for the headquarters of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Iowa economic development director Debi Durham says the proposals are for Ames and Council Bluffs.

“Ames and the research park, because that’s obviously a really strong connection with the land grant that the application talked about,” Durham says. “And the Omaha-Council Bluffs region, from just a population base and from a transportation grid response.”

USDA’s plan to relocate ERS and NIFA has drawn fire from lawmakers, former agency leaders and others. But Iowa ag secretary Mike Naig thinks it’s a positive move.

“I just don’t think we should be afraid of this type of thing, where maybe we even need to look beyond and located a few more agencies—a few more entities—outside of Washington, D.C. and connect better with the roots in this country,” Naig says.

The two agencies have more than 600 employees. USDA secretary Sonny Perdue has said the relocation will “improve customer service, strengthen offices and programs, and save taxpayer dollars”.

It’s not known how many other states, cities or universities also submitted proposals. In Nebraska, a spokesperson for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development tells Brownfield they do not discuss submitted proposals.

AUDIO: Debi Durham

 

AUDIO: Mike Naig