Let's Focus on the Actual Plan

I thought Cedar Rapids' flood protection system was going to be made mostly out of dirt and concrete. But, apparently, it's going to be covered in Velcro.

It makes sense, because folks have been throwing all sorts of claims at the plan, hoping they'll stick.

I've heard that the protection plan includes everything from the new library to a May's Island fountain and ice rink. The $375 million plan, it's been said, includes pricey parks, promenades and cross country ski trails. Heck, toss in the city-owned hotel.

I have yet to hear about solar-powered sky lifts whisking downtown “elites” to their riverfront penthouses. Give it time.

Part of this is the city's fault. Curious voters seeking the flood plan online are sent to a PowerPoint presentation called “Framework for Redevelopment and Reinvestment.” It features lots of maps and lists and very impressive sketches, many of which have absolutely nothing to do with the nuts and bolts, dirt and concrete project that costs $375 million. Watch the presentation, and you just might think we're building Disney on the Cedar. A basic explanation of the project at issue would be better.

But some misinformation swirling out there is calculated. Some opponents of a local-option sales tax and state legislation that would help pay for the system want us to believe this is a fancy boondoggle masquerading as infrastructure. They want the protection plan to be a repository for your worst expectations about government. Instead of holding back the river, they'd rather open the flood gates on any mistrust, anxieties or misgivings that will obscure the central issue.

That central issue is whether this flood protection plan is a good one, worthy of public support and funding. And we should at least make that critical decision based on what the plan really is, not a caricature.

It is earthen levees made from non-permeable earth that will be trucked in from outside the flood zone. Flood walls and removable walls will be built, with footings driven deep underground to stop seepage. More than 20 current storm sewer outlets to the Cedar River will be consolidated into eight pumping stations, with new valves to better stop backflow in the event of flooding.

Existing trails along the river will be incorporated into the design, and a levee-top maintenance road will double as a trail. But the plan does not include any trail extensions away from the river. There are no promenades or fountains included in the plan. The city might spring to make the concrete look nice, with color or texture. Fancy.

"The primary idea is flood protection," said City Public Works Director Dave Elgin.

That's basically what the $375 million would buy. Look it over, kick the tires. But don't bother bringing skates or skis.