CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids has detailed the city's proposed flood prevention plan, and it could cost as much as a $1 billion.

That cost would build seven miles of protective barriers along the Cedar River. But their completion could still be ten to 15 years away.

"Most of us feel like we're getting the runaround. They don't know how we feel. They didn't lose anything," said Dianna Wicher, flood victim.

Dianna Wicher wanted to know on which side her house would sit, the one closest to the river or the one protective barriers would save.

The city's flood consultant detailed the preliminary plan that includes seven miles of levees or flood walls. Citizen input decided which would go in certain places. Downtown will most likely use the two-foot wide concrete wall, part of which will be removable. (see map at left)

"In downtown where we're pretty pinched with big office buildings, the feedback from the community is that we need to maintain a connection to the river," said Jason Hellendrung, Sasaki Associates.

Most residential areas along the river will utilize a levee system, an earthen dike anywhere from 12 to 18 feet high. Homeowners who live on the river-side of that barrier would have the possible option of the city buying their property through FEMA funding. If they decide to stay, the city will still move forward with this project.

"There'd be a limit to how much services the city would provide to that in terms of utilities and roads and street cleaning and any of that," said Hellendrung.

Dianna learned that her home is safe, although she still doubts she can live there. She says it really doesn't matter, as the levee going in her back yard will separate her from her neighbors and the rest of the city.

"I lost 23 years of my life... I can't," said Wicher.

Citizens will have a chance to voice their opinions and offer suggestions about this plan at an open house on Thursday, October 16, at the Crowne Plaza Center Ballroom from 10 to 2 and 4 to 8. In Cedar Rapids.