More flood control is a poor gamble

Voting “yes” for flood control on both sides of the Cedar River on Tuesday is a long shot for the citizens of Cedar Rapids as a whole. The Army Corps of Engineers decided against protecting both sides for a reason. It is just too much of a gamble of taxpayer money. In essence they said there is a better than even chance of getting a payoff of taxpayer money on the east side of the Cedar River than getting a payoff of taxpayer money on both sides of the river. I don't want to take that bet.

I realize that Cedar Rapids floods occasionally but would flood insurance be out of the question for the people who choose to live or have businesses in the flood plain? Even though flood insurance may be costly, how about a 1 percent sales tax over 10 years? A sales tax is levied mostly on the poor. They purchase more goods and services per dollar earned than the rich.

Instead, we need better planning of what we can do in the flood zone, given that the Cedar River floods on the west side of the river from time to time. People have been able to opt for a buyout program. Now is the ideal time to come up with a better plan than more flood control. Please vote “no” on March 6 because more flood control in Cedar Rapids is a poor gamble.

Cliff Klouda

Cedar Rapids