The Polk County Board of Supervisors has committed $1 million to the Central Iowa Water Trails project, the Great Outdoors Foundation announced today. According to the announcement, the county’s commitment is accounted for in the $25 million in private funds that have been raised for the project so far, and has been allocated to water quality improvements tied to Central Iowa Water Trails improvements. The money will be used specifically for water quality infrastructure, testing and education at 36 proposed amenities and improvements across Polk County. Angela Connolly, chair of the Board of Supervisors, said Central Iowa Water trails is more than just a “visionary project with the potential to change our region. It’s a tactical approach to addressing water quality and integrates many of the strategies outlined in the Natural Capital portion of the Capital Crossroads: A Vision Forward.” Hannah Inman, CEO of the Great Outdoors Foundation, said conservation is one of the five priorities of Central Iowa Water Trails. “This is about a system of change with the inherent ability to impact water quality — and quality of life — for generations to come.” The Great Outdoors Foundation is the financial arm and one of the founding organizations of the Central Iowa Water Trails Consortium, which also includes leadership from Capital Crossroads, Catch Des Moines, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.