Iowa Board Awards Millions for Flood Protection

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The state Flood Mitigation Board has awarded millions of dollars for flood protection projects in Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and other Iowa cities.

Cedar Falls, Iowa, June 11, 2008 -- This stairway goes down intot he Cedar River whichr rose to a record high of 102 feet, endangering the town of Cedar Falls, IA. Storms have inconvenienced many people throughout Iowa. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA — Cedar Falls, Iowa, June 11, 2008 — This stairway goes down intot he Cedar River whichr rose to a record high of 102 feet, endangering the town of Cedar Falls, IA. Storms have inconvenienced many people throughout Iowa. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA

The awards were announced on Wednesday. The Iowa Legislature created the board to let cities use a portion of state sales tax revenue growth for flood-prevention projects.

Cedar Rapids, which was hit hard by flooding in 2008, was awarded nearly $264 million total over 20 years. Dubuque was awarded about $98.5 million. Officials say $8.5 million will be going to Iowa City and nearly $9.8 million to Coralville.