Top Iowa Lawmakers View Cedar Rapids Destruction

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

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By Dave Franzman

Story Created: Jun 25, 2008 at 5:02 PM CST

Story Updated: Jun 26, 2008 at 10:07 AM CST

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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