Cedar Rapids not ready for another massive flood, mayor says

In 2008, Susan Wesely experienced the incredible power of the Cedar River.

“Just like everyone else, we never expected it,” said Wesely.

The flood destroyed her belongings and forced her family out of their home on Ellis Boulevard NW.  They've since rebuilt, but the threat of another flood is not far from her mind.

"We certainly can't control mother nature,” she said. "You know the risks your facing and have a lot of faith in God."

If another massive flood happened tomorrow, Mayor Ron Corbett says faith might be all that's keeping the city from looking like it did in 2008.

"Would the devastation be great? Certainly it would,” said Corbett.  “It's important to have long term flood protection. We're continuing to work with the Corp of Engineers and the community to protect both sides of the river.”

Voters rejected a sales tax that would have protected businesses and homes on both sides of the river.  There's talk of a grassroots effort to get the issue back on the ballot in November.  In the meantime, Corbett says the only thing protecting the city are 23 foot flood barriers.  In 2008, the Cedar River crested at 32 feet.

"It's a big hurdle,” Corbett said. "That's why a lot of communities don't have the wherewithal to hang in there for five to seven years to finally get something authorized and built."

Corbett says many homeowners and businesses have purchased flood insurance since 2008.  That might minimize the scope of devastation, at least to the private sector, should flood waters rise a second time, he said.

The mayor also pointed out the city still has a long way to go in terms of rebuilding homes and businesses.  That might lessen the overall personal impact if we see another flood in the next year.

The city is 18 months away from a completed and approved design for flood protection on the east side of the river.