Top Iowa Lawmakers View Cedar Rapids Destruction

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Top Iowa Lawmakers View Cedar Rapids Destruction

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

By Dave Franzman

CEDAR RAPIDS- Most Iowans outside the flood-damaged areas have heard about the historic problems and the size of the needed recovery effort.

But hearing is one thing--and seeing first hand is another. And Cedar Rapids city leaders say one idea they're pursuing is to make sure all top state leaders see the destruction with their own eyes.

That idea was put to the test on Wednesday with a tour of top Iowa Senate Democrats through some of the hardest-hit areas. Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and Senate President Jack Kibbie joined other leaders and local lawmakers on the trip.

After viewing some of the damage, Senator Kibbie said "this is as serious a situation as Iowa's every been forced to look at--we're here to cooperate."

The hour long visit by top Senate Democrats included a look at some of the most devastated areas like the Time Check neighborhood as well as a look at some government buildings.

The governor and some lawmakers have talked about a special legislative session to address flooding--but there's no promise of that yet.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal said "it's going to take awhile and unfortunately we won't have immediate answers for everything--but we're working very hard to make sure this is going to work."

Iowa currently has an emergency reserve fund of $620-million dollars. One question these lawmakers, and others, have to decide is whether the state will use that so-called "rainy day" fund to pay for flooding recovery.

Leaders of the Iowa House are expected in Cedar Rapids for a similar flood tour next week. Cedar Rapids city leaders want any outside group coming to the city to look at damaged before talking about recovery needs.
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Friday, Jun 27 at 8:19 AM kyle martin wrote ...

Cedar Rapids barely passed the 500 year flood plane. They are saving the rainy day fund for a flood that passes the 10,000 year flood plane.

Thursday, Jun 26 at 8:17 PM Muckers rule wrote ...

Muckers rule, gawkers drool!

Thursday, Jun 26 at 6:11 PM Anonymous wrote ...

It won't get better until you get rid of BUSH, these are thorns in his shoes. He spent all the money on a foney war, like a foney president, would. Stop BUSH NOW!!!!!!!!! Good Luck trying too get MONEY out of someone who spent it on something for personal profit for him and daddy.

Thursday, Jun 26 at 3:08 PM Wow... wrote ...

This is probably the worst year thus far for Iowa with all the disasters and they are trying to decide whether or not to use that money...I don't understand why they are even questioning it. What are they waiting for...their houses to be like mine and be completely destroyed? That is what is sounds like to me!!!

Thursday, Jun 26 at 2:52 PM Rhonda wrote ...

It is important for these elected officials who actually have control over the purse strings to see with their own eyes this destruction. I'm sorry if you view them as gawkers...try considering them as the gawkers most likely to be able to make a financial difference in the outcome for individuals, businesses, and the community as a whole. This is a VERY wise step by the city officials.

Thursday, Jun 26 at 2:25 PM oje wrote ...

They'd better wear some work clothes instead of their $1,000 suits.

Thursday, Jun 26 at 12:53 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Like we need more gawkers down there! They better pick up a sledge hammer and pitch in while they are down there!

Thursday, Jun 26 at 11:35 AM Rainy Days wrote ...

Well I think we have had enough "rainy days" to deserve a little of the money in the "rainy day" fund. Cedar Rapids needs all of the support it can get. As the 2nd biggest city in Iowa I am sure that we have contributed a significant amount of $ that has been put into the emergency fund. It is time to get some of it back.

Thursday, Jun 26 at 11:28 AM Donna Nevins wrote ...

How much does it take for the rainy funds to be used. It is a must to reconstruct all the devasting areas of the flood not just Cedar Rapids but all areas.

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