Fix it and move ahead

Talk about bad timing.

A local program that has worked on about 100 flood-damaged Cedar Rapids homes since July is stalled just as warm weather and more help arrives. Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials say Block by Block hasn't been inspecting for asbestos as its volunteers go about their good deeds. Now, it's likely that all properties the group has worked on must be inspected because of the potential threat to residents of those homes. And there's concern about workers being exposed to asbestos, a known carcinogen.

Any substantial delay is especially frustrating now. More than 700 volunteers from 10 faith-based disaster-response groups across the country and Canada are either in town or expected soon to boost Block by Block's rebuilding work and assist several other local support agencies over the next several weeks

Those incoming volunteers are coordinated by Church World Service, following a similar initiative in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Cedar Rapids' Time Check area is a major target.

Nonetheless, the asbestos issue must be addressed. Block by Block officials admit they weren't aware of the environmental rule the DNR is charged with enforcing. That's disappointing, but perhaps not as surprising when a volunteer group is involved.

We urge the DNR to help the organization resolve the issue as soon as possible. Block by Block is doing vital work, restoring not only homes but rebuilding neighborhood connections at an impressive pace.

Let's not take much time assigning blame. Fix the problem and process. Help these dedicated volunteers, local and visitors alike, get on with their important work.

--Gazette Editorial Board