Nearing a flood protection destination

The long road to a final Cedar Rapids flood protection plan is nearing its destination.

After a series of public hearings over the last several months, city leaders are nearing a June decision on the final alignment of levees, flood walls and removable barriers designed to protect the city's core from a 2008-level flood. The final two public hearings were held this week, showcasing the proposed alignment and some exciting possibilities for a revitalized riverfront.

Our enthusiasm for the plan is tempered by the reality that it will result in a final round of property buyouts that will push some longtime homeowners to relocate. We hope that process is handled with care and fairness.

And although the council is set to vote in June, the city will be embarking on a 20-year project. Disruption and dramatic change will roll in slowly, over time.

The fact that protection is moving forward on both banks, even slowly, is a remarkable victory considering all the setbacks of the last nearly seven years.

After the flood, it seemed a foregone conclusion that the federal government would recommend and pay much of the price tag for a flood protection system. But the Army Corps of Engineers concluded only protection on the east bank of the river cleared its cost-benefit threshold, leaving the west side unprotected. City leaders tried twice to convince local voters to pass local sales tax measures to help pay for protection. Both failed.

For a time, it seemed flood protection was unlikely. But city leaders convinced the Iowa Legislature to create a program allowing cities to keep a portion of state sales taxes collected locally to pay for flood mitigation. Through that program, Cedar Rapids secured $264 million over 20 years, putting the project back on track.

Federal funding for the east side remains elusive. And it's likely, over time, the current $570 million estimate for the whole system will grow. Funding will continue to be a challenge.

Flood protection efforts have received some important private support. We hope, as plans develop, that more local entities and businesses - who will directly benefit from the system - step up to help cover inevitable gaps. Although state, federal and city dollars are critical, it's likely local support will be needed to finish the job.

It's a massive lift - another long road to get there - but it will transform the community for the better.

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