Cedar Rapids Explores Flood Management Options

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Sep 11, 2008 at 3:10 PM CST

Story Updated: Sep 11, 2008 at 4:23 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Hundreds of Cedar Rapids flood zone residents took a look at ideas Thursday to hold back the water. The second city open house on riverfront development and flood control outlined ideas both new and old. For instance, many plans call for removable flood gates to protect the core downtown. The idea is sort of like the gate that fits this riverwalk opening, expect maybe as tall as that street lamp. There isn't much left of Don Michalec's home in the Time Check neighborhood. So he came to this flood control open house with one big question, is my house in line for a buyout? "I've lived in Time Check all my life and I'm partial to it and I'd hate to see them tear it up...but I also don't want to go through what we did this time," said Don Michalec, flooded homeowner. But residents and business owners who crowded around the easels to look at maps and drawings can't get information that specific just yet. Consultants outlined pluses and minuses for a variety of flood control options. Whatever the plan, taming the Cedar River will likely take years of work and cost anywhere from $600-million to well over $1 billion. "We really tried to understand the cost...the benefits and the impact of how effective it would alleviate flood impact," said Mark Dawson, Sasaki & Assoc. Consultants. Consultants put together three options The first calls for flood walls up to 18 feet tall right along the river. That's the cheapest protection, but cuts off the river from the community. The other two options use some floodwalls but require buying anywhere from 250 to 700 acres of mostly residential area for green space along the river. "Use the land when it's not flooded let the river have it when it does," said Eleanor Hearst, son's home flooded. The flood control open house is still going on until eight o'clock tonight at the Crowne Plaza Hotel ballrooms. Another open house set for October should narrow down the options and may show residents the likely buyout areas. Read full information on options.

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