I-JOBS Board OKs funds for Cedar Rapids, Iowa City

The board governing the state's I-JOBS program today approved $12.8 million to fund flood recovery projects in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. The board also approved $300,000 for a Norwalk project:

• Former Federal Courthouse, Cedar Rapids - $2 million for flood mitigation and renovation in and around the former federal courthouse.

• Veterans Memorial Building, Cedar Rapids – $4.4 million for the renovation of the existing city hall building in Cedar Rapids.

• Jean Oxley Public Service Center, Linn County - $4.4 million for building renovation.

• Wastewater Treatment Plant, Iowa City – $2 million to help construct a wastewater treatment plant.

• Orchard Hills Drainage Channel Improvements, Norwalk – $300,000 for drainage channel erosion control, grade control structures, and associated grading.

Gov. Chet Culver announced the projects' formal approval this afternoon. The money comes from $30.9 million designated by the Legislature for 16 disaster recovery and prevention programs across the state. Cities and counties administering the projects must submit a plan to the I-JOBS Board for consideration and approval.

Other projects identified in the program have already submitted plans for consideration, or will in the coming months.

The I-JOBS Board is expected to award all of the program's funds at its meeting Sept. 15.

I-JOBS Board Chair Jeff Pomeranz, who becomes Cedar Rapids city manager next month, is quoted in the press release announcing the awards:

“We've learned repeatedly that the state of Iowa is not immune to the devastation of natural disasters,” Pomeranz said. “The I-JOBS Board is pleased to play a role in helping our communities and counties be as prepared as possible for disasters of all types.”