Much to be proud of in C.R.’s progress

By Jeff Pomeranz and Joe O'Hern

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As we mark the five-year anniversary of the devastating June 2008 flood, we must begin with gratitude. Thank you for everything you have done to bring Cedar Rapids back stronger than ever. Our progress is because of the widespread community support we received from local residents and philanthropists, volunteers from across the country and partnerships with local, state and federal agencies.

At this important moment, we need to respect what has been lost, take time to reflect on our progress and express excitement in the future opportunities building in our community.

First and foremost, we must remember our flood survivors who took the brunt of the disaster, losing their homes, their businesses and their belongings. Those losses can never be replaced. That's why the city of Cedar Rapids is committed to providing flood protection on both sides of the Cedar River so this never happens again.

Shortly after the flood, the Cedar Rapids City Council set three important goals for flood recovery: reinvest in housing, businesses and neighborhoods; rebuild public facilities; and improve flood protection. All of those goals have been accomplished except permanent flood protection.

While the city has purchased more equipment and improved its interim flood protection measures, we continue to work on identifying funding sources for a permanent flood management system on both sides of the river. Construction of flood walls for the east side may begin as soon as 2017.

Cedar Rapids is making significant progress. All of the housing lost in the flood has been replaced or rehabilitated. Eighty-two percent of flood-impacted businesses have reopened - beating the national average. The buyout program and the demolition of flood-damaged properties will be complete by next year. And the city has rebuilt or renovated most of its facilities impacted by the flood, with many reopening this year.

We should take pride in what we have accomplished over the last five years, especially the following achievements:

l During early flood response, our police officers, firefighters and first responders evacuated 8,000 residents and conducted more than 500 boat rescues - and not a single life was lost in the disaster.

l The Army Corps of Engineers approved the East Side Flood Management plan in 18 months rather than the more normal five years or more.

l More than 1,400 residents participated in the Neighborhood Planning Process in 2009. They identified 156 projects to be completed in a 10 to 15 year time frame. Five years out, 82 of the projects have been completed, with 42 more underway.

l More than 1,300 housing units have been created, including hundreds of new single-family homes and more than 2,300 housing units were repaired.

l More than $82 million of local-option sales tax revenue was distributed for buyouts, housing rehabilitation, flood recovery projects and the personal possessions replacement programs.

l More than $80 million in business recovery assistance was provided to more than 900 businesses for critical needs such as working capital, equipment replacement and loan interest supplement.

We have accomplished more in five years than most communities that experience disasters. Our success is leading to a bright future for Cedar Rapids with new economic development projects promising more jobs and more amenities for all to enjoy.

We are proud of our progress. We hope you are, too.

Jeff Pomeranz is Cedar Rapids city manager; Joe O'Hern is executive administrator of Development Services and has overseen flood recovery activity.