Waterloo Gets Flood-Fighting Funds

Business owner Manuel Carlnlo sandbags his store, the La Placita Mexican Store, on 4th Street in Waterloo, Iowa, Wednesday, June 11, 2008. Residents were ordered to evacuate low-lying sections of towns along the overflowing Cedar River on Wednesday, and communities along the Mississippi River were warned that new rainfall would boost their expected flood crests. (AP Photo/David K Purdy)

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 30, 2009 at 1:20 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2009 at 1:59 PM CST

WATERLOO (AP) - Waterloo officials say the more than $10 million the city has received from the federal Community Development Block Grant program will help prevent future flooding.

Officials say the money will help the city buy pumps and build storm water lift stations in areas of Waterloo that suffered heavy damage during record flooding in June 2008.

Mayor Tim Hurley says if the Cedar River swells up again, the new lift stations will help avert the damage the city saw in 2008.

Associate City Engineer Jamie Knutson said it will take time for engineers to design the new permanent pumps and lift stations, with additional months required for construction.

According to Knutson, it will be about two years before the pumps and lift stations are operational.