Show-and-tell day for Cedar Rapids flood protection proposal

DES MOINES – Iowa lawmakers will get a chance today to “kick the tires” on a flood protection system Cedar Rapids is asking them to help fund, Mayor Ron Corbett said.

“We're going to give them the opportunity to see what we're asking them to buy,” the mayor said.

Cedar Rapids officials are at the Capitol today with a display of the $375 million system of levees, concrete walls, and removable flood walls and pumps to protect both the east and west sides of the river. The display will include pictures as well as samples of removable walls and levees.

With a 12-member House-Senate task force finalizing a proposal to provide state support for the city's estimated $310 million share of the flood control system, Corbett said local leaders want to impress on lawmakers the need for flood protection.

“Our number one goal is to let everyone there know how long and hard we've worked on this,” said Corbett, the former speaker of the Iowa House. “We want them to understand this isn't some plan we put together on the back of a napkin.”

The price tag may seem high, but it's no Cadillac plan, he said. “In fact, it's one of the least expensive options.”

Corbett and others from Cedar Rapids have been emphasizing the importance of the state's second-largest city in Iowa's well-being.

“We want them to understand what this system means to the economic vitality of Cedar Rapids and the state,” he said. Without flood protection, Corbett said it will be hard to convince new and existing businesses to invest in Cedar Rapids. The task force has discussed requiring a “non-public” contribution toward flood protection that could include promises of private sector investment and job creation.

The task force of six Democrats and six Republicans expects to have a bill drafted by Thursday to provide a revenue stream to enable Cedar Rapids and Linn County to sell bonds to finance the flood protection system. Lawmakers are looking at allowing the local governments to retain a portion of the $180 million a year of sales tax revenue they send to the state. It could be a percentage or a set dollar amount.

Cedar Rapids officials are encouraged by the task force's progress, pointing out the discussion has moved from whether the state should participate in the project to how the state can be of assistance.

House and Senate leaders have made a commitment Cedar Rapids flood protection is on their “must-do” lists, Corbett said. Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal said no commitment has been made to a specific plan, but agreed providing financial assistance for Cedar Rapids flood protection is a “must-do” before the Legislature adjourns, possibly this month.