Culver: Linn County tax vote 'critically important' to flood recovery

IOWA CITY - Gov. Chet Culver today said the passage of a local-option sales tax in Cedar Rapids Tuesday is a significant step forward in securing more state and federal money for flood recovery.

The 1 percent local-option sales tax vote, approved in most Linn County communities, will provide millions for flood recovery and county projects over five years.

"It sends a message to the Statehouse and to the White House that Iowans are ready to do their part," Culver said. "The vote was critically important. That will allow the city and the state to speed up the recovery effort."

The passage is a big morale booster for flood victims in Linn County but also communities around the state that are struggling, he said.

Culver was in Iowa City this morning to hold "office hours" at Old Capitol, Iowa's first statehouse. He met with local government and University of Iowa leaders to discuss flood recovery and heard from flood victims and citizens during a town-hall meeting.

Culver said he understands the frustration and anger of flood victims who think help and money have been slow in coming.

"We're committed to helping them," Culver said. "The key is really understanding the barriers communities have and breaking those down to do what we can to streamline the recovery effort. The sooner we hear about challenges, the quicker we can step in to help."

Culver also this morning signed a proclamation designating March as Flood Awareness Month in Iowa. Culver signed the document in the governor's office of Old Capitol while sitting in an original chair from the state's first House Chamber. It was the first official action by a sitting governor taken in that Old Capitol office since 1857.

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