Cedar Rapids, Iowa Seeking Flood Protection System

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, officials are gathering data to support efforts to install a flood-protection system that would prevent a repeat of the record-setting 2008 flood.

Officials said the data will support the city’s contention the U.S. should consider the economic harm that would result if a system of levees and flood walls aren’t built in Cedar Rapids.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is trying to determine the feasibility of building such a system. A preliminary report of their efforts is expected to be released this summer.

Corps officials say the agency cannot recommend a flood-protection system if it protects property of less value than the cost to build the system.

Corps representatives say they are looking at a number of options, all of which would protect the city against flooding less severe than the 2008 event.

Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazetteonline.com/