Restore the Lake Delhi dam

A catastrophic chain of events culminated in the dam failure and draining of Lake Delhi. Fifteen inches of rain in one week fell into the Maquoketa River watershed north of the dam, causing an unprecedented rise in the river. This flow overwhelmed the approach road, causing a breach and draining the entire 9-mile-long lake in a matter of hours.

It was a jaw-dropping and heartbreaking series of events.

Of the 900 homes surrounding the lake, 400 to 500 received major damage. Everyone on the lake has suffered. The lake is gone, boats, boat lifts and docks are damaged.

Lake Delhi has given pleasure to generations of Iowans, many who live on the lake and thousands who were drawn to the area's beauty. For the betterment of all the people both above and below the dam, we must pull together to repair the damage done.

The people of Delaware County have supported recovery efforts in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities. They are fellow Iowans and have shown generosity and compassion.

I witnessed the look of disbelief on the faces of my neighbors, friends and family when Cedar Rapids was inundated; I am now seeing that look on the faces of the people of Lake Delhi.

It's time to stop pointing fingers and time to pull together to assist our fellow Iowans.

Let's restore one of the jewels of Eastern Iowa: Lake Delhi.

Irv Janey

Marion