5-in-1 dam a disaster waiting to happen again

Why does the Cedar River at Palo and Cedar Rapids always look bank full above the 5-in-1 dam? Why is the Cedar River kept at such a high level? Here is what I was told:

1. For the houseboats at Ellis Harbor.

2. For winter recreation when the river freezes over.

3. For the hydroelectric power plant (which is inoperable).

I was told the Iowa Department of Natural Resources controls the water level and the water department raises or lowers it accordingly.

Wake up, DNR! Lower the river level above the dam so when it rains heavily, there is someplace for the water to go without major flooding.

The 5-in-1 dam (built around 1979) and the DNR took only 30 years to give Cedar Rapids one of its worst floods ever. Yes, it could happen again.

LaMoyne Reece

Cedar Rapids