An impressive flood control system for Cedar Rapids

Staggering in its size and scope and impressive in its design and thoughtful attention to detail, Cedar Rapids’ flood control system is making progress as we mark the 15th anniversary of the flood of 2008 this week.

The project is estimated at $750 million, although inflation may drive the total cost closer to $1 billion by the time it’s slated to be finished in 2035. So far, 30 percent of the system has been completed.

It’s important that Cedar Rapids stay the course on completing the system, which is vital to protect post-flood developments and future projects, and to shield the city’s core from the increased risk of flooding spawned by climate change.

The systems’ details, chronicled by Gazette reporters Brittney J. Miller and Marissa Payne this past weekend, are remarkable.

A flood wall protecting the Czech Village, part of 3.71 miles of planned barriers, is 13 feet high and adorned with grassy terraces for visitors and evens. Underground, the flood walls extend 40 to 60 feet to keep floodwaters from inundating the neighborhood from below ground. Five-feet-thick, 60,000-pound gates At road crossings allow traffic to flow through but can be closed in the event of flooding. Multiple bridges are also being raised.

There are 3.64 miles of levees, with some topped by bicycle and walking trails. The system will include 16 pump stations, pumping water accumulated on the city side of the control system into the river. The city currently has five pump stations.

To keep the pumpstations from being overwhelmed, the city has pushed back the placement of levees in the Time Check area four blocks inland to give the river room to spread out during a flood event.

“All those things allow room for the river to breathe,” said Cedar Rapids Flood Control Manager Rob Davis. “From a regulatory standpoint, we can't just build right at the riverbanks and then back that water up and cause problems upstream.”

Although the project is massive, it’s the little touches residents may notice. A NewBo pump station will mimic the architecture of the nearby Czech School, down to its windows.

As impressive as the project is now, the city faces a long road to completion. The city has managed to secure critical federal, state and local funding, but more dollars will be needed. We’re confident more funding will be found.

In the meantime, work continues, and the city has temporary flood control measures it can deploy if next deluge won’t wait for the permanent system’s completion. No one said protecting Cedar Rapids would be easy, but the city and its allies are well on the way to making it happen.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com