Corbett quickly plugged more flood relief during visit with Obama

CEDAR RAPIDS - Mayor Ron Corbett reminded President Barack Obama on Wednesday that Cedar Rapids is the manufacturing center of Iowa and that the federal government has been helpful but the city could use some more aid with flood recovery.

“I reiterated that we were about three-quarters of the way done with flood recovery, and that we need a little more help on a few more projects.” the mayor said he told Obama.

“We're going to help you get this resolved. We're certainly well aware of what the issues are that still face Cedar Rapids,” Corbett said the president replied.

Corbett greeted Obama alongside Gov. Terry Branstad when the president stepped down from Air Force One at The Eastern Iowa Airport. He had a front-row seat for the speech at Conveyor Engineering & Manufacturing and had another moment with the president during a post-speech picture session.

“As everyone will say who has met the guy, he's very personable,” Corbett said. “He actually looks you in the eye and talks to you.”