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The last I heard, several Iowa cities were vigorously competing to have the monstrosity built in their area. However, it will be paid for in part with our tax money. I am not sure who is pushing the idea, or who really wants it built.

I did read that the Des Moines Botanical Center may have to close because of lack of attendance and interest. According to a May 10 article, it is losing about a half-million dollars a year (“$450,000 Deficit Risks Botanical Center’s Future”).

Do backers of the rain forest believe it will fare better? I do hope that before any tax money is used to keep tropical trees warm through an Iowa winter, arrangements will first be made to keep all Iowa citizens warm through the same Iowa winter. We need to help more Iowans with heat bills.

Lenore Freeman
Des Moines