City to Discuss Iowa City East Levee Plan

By Jill Kasparie, Reporter

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By Lisa Kunkel

Story Created: Jan 19, 2012 at 8:08 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 19, 2012 at 10:59 AM CDT

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Residents and business owners have a chance to learn more about a flood protection project in Iowa City.

Engineers are moving forward with plans to build a levee on the east side of the Iowa River, from U.S. 6 to the Crandic Railroad Bridge.

It would provide flood protection for South Gilbert Street and businesses in the area. Engineers said it would prevent flood waters from causing major problems like it did in 2008.

“The area of South Gilbert and Stevens Drive, water came up through the outlets, to the river, backing up through the storm sewer, kind of flooded the streets and businesses in that area,” said Iowa City Special Projects Engineer Jason Reichart.

City officials said they haven’t heard much feedback, and that’s what they are hoping to hear at the city’s first public meeting on the topic Thursday night.

“I’m hoping to get a lot of comments and concerns so we can address them early. The more public participation we have, the more effectively we can address their concerns in the design of the actual project itself,” Reichart said.

Businesses in the area received a flier notifying them of the event. Jim Kelly owns Lucky Pawz Dog Daycare and Boarding and plans to attend.

He watched as water filled his business back in 2008, forcing him to move all of the dogs to higher ground.

“I check the river levels every spring as we get all the rain and everything else, so that will be a big relief if that’s something I wouldn’t have to worry about,” Kelly said.

Still, he’s interested to hear the details on the project.

The meeting is Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Hills Bank and Trust on South Gilbert Street. Engineers said they planned to use the feedback from the meeting as they get to work on the design of the east side levee.

The project has a $3.9 million price tag. Crews expect to start construction in the spring of 2013.

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