What are your thoughts on the indoor Rainforest?

[Blue Gardener]

I'm kind of excited about it, but I know a lot of people aren't. I love plants, so from that perspective it will be interesting.

[lutherj]

1. I think it's great. Where's it supposed to be built? Des Moines?

n/t

[Blue Gardener]

2. Coralville

Which is right next to Iowa City and right off of Interstate 80.

[Wapsie B]

5. I thought at one time

it was going to be in Cedar Rapids. But Coralville would be a good location too. Anything to make sure they can draw the most visitors.
I can't believe how much Coralville has changed since I've lived there.

[Snow]

3. The one in Omaha, at the Doorly Zoo, is terrific....

and they actually have some of the beasts running around fairly loose - froggies, iguanas, and from time to time the golden lion tamarinds are out just hanging in the shrubbery next to the path. Birds, of course. It's a wonderful place, even if you don't like zoos. GO in the winter, though, not the summer.

[Blue Gardener]

4. Been there

I think it's fantastic. That's one reason I'll be glad to have one closer to home. Hoping to be able to volunteer there.

[DU9598]

6. Our time is now

I think it is great that Iowa will have a landmark attraction. We finally seem to have something good going on here in Iowa. I guess we are just catching up after our slumber through the Brandstad years.

[cothomps]

7. I'm a little iffy...

While the project might be a neat tourist attraction, I'm not entirely sold on the idea of using $150 millon to build an enclosed rain forest in Coralville.

If I were to spend $150 million on an eco-project, I would rather spend it on buying land and labor for a prairie restoration project, but that's just me.... ;-)

[Blue Gardener]

9. There will be a Prairie

There is going to be a prairie and a wetlands project included on the site.
By the way...welcome to DU!

[cothomps]

10. Thank you!

"Long time listener, first time caller!"

[Blue Gardener]

11. What part of the state are you in?

And is the "Long time listener" reference to the Mr. Obvious show on Bob and Tom?

[cothomps]

12. Answers... I've got answers...

"What part of the state are you in?"

Central Iowa, West Des Moines (at the moment) to be specific.

Grew up in North Iowa, went to school in Iowa City, left the state, then came back.

And is the "Long time listener" reference to the Mr. Obvious show on Bob and Tom?

Actually, it was some bizarre reference to callers on "Larry King Live!" - I don't know why, because I haven't watched his show in about five years...

[9119495]

8. Kill it. We've got other priorities. Think locally? There goes the

country--at least in some cases. Think "common good" people.

[k in IA]

13. Sorry to "rain" on the rainforest but this entire Highway bill is full

of such pork with something for everyone and we just cannot afford it.

We are headed off a cliff when the baby boomers retire and this Repub controlled Congress and WH is the most irresponsible group I have ever seen or could have imagined.

[yellowdog]

14. If there were lots of money floating about, maybe.

But with all the other problems in this state, affordable health care, affordable housing, an aging population, crumbling schools, etc. it seems like a major waste at this time.