City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Community Information

On June 13, 2008, the Cedar River crested to its highest level in Cedar Rapids history, 31.12 feet. The previous record reached only 20 feet. The flood waters penetrated 10 square miles or 14 percent of the city. This monumental flood impacted 7,198 parcels, including 5,390 houses and dislocating more than 18,000 residents. More than 300 City facilities were damaged by the flood, including the Central Fire Station, Police Headquarters, Public Library, Historic Paramount Theatre, City Bus Facility and the Veterans Memorial Building, which served as the home of City Hall.

As the City continues to recover from the Flood of 2008, information about its plans and progress will be added to this web page periodically. Please check back often for updates. To request additional information, please click on the Feedback/Contact link at the top of the page.

On July 13, 2009, the City of Cedar Rapids hired Greg Eyerly to serve as the Flood Recovery Director. To contact the director, please call (319) 286-5292 or send an email to j.eyerly@cedar-rapids.org.

FLOOD RECOVERY PROGRESS
One Year Progress Report – This report outlines the City's flood recovery progress as of June 2009. Learn more about milestones, timelines and details of the City's flood recovery projects and accomplishments so far. The Progress Report is accompanied by this insert which provides a closer look at flood protection and neighborhood reinvestment planning maps.

Rebuilding City Facilities – 310 City facilities suffered severe water damage from the Flood of 2008. Click here for an update on repair, reconstruction and replacement plans.

Vision for Cedar Rapids Flood Recovery – This brochure outlines the City’s flood recovery progress for improving flood protection; reinvesting in housing, businesses and neighborhoods; and rebuilding public facilities as of May 1, 2009, including a plan timeline.

Buildings & Facilities Master Plan: Flood Recovery – The Cedar Rapids City Council approved this Buildings and Facilities Master Plan and Recovery Implementation Process on February 4, 2009.

Cedar Rapids Flood Recovery & Reinvestment Plan – The City has a vision and plan in place to recover from the flood, which includes economic recovery of housing and businesses, flood management and protection, public facility replacement and health and human service needs.

Cedar Rapids Flood Story – The Flood of 2008 forever changed Cedar Rapids . This interactive website was created to encourage national media reporters to do news stories about the one year anniversary of the flood. The information, photographs and videos tell the story of the worst natural disaster in our city's history.

Community Disaster Grant Funds - The Cedar Rapids City Council voted on March 25, 2009 to fund eight projects through this grant program.

FEMA Flood Insurance Program – Click here to learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program.

Flood-Related Bids/Proposals – Click here to view the City's current bid opportunities for products and services.

Flood Resource Center - Click here to learn more about the State of Iowa 's Flood Resource Center .

Interim Flood Response Plan – Frequently asked questions about the City's interim flood response plan and temporary flood barriers.

Neighborhood Planning Process – Thousands of citizens participated in this four month interactive process to create three Neighborhood Revitalization Plans for the flood-damaged neighborhoods in our city.

Neighborhood Reinvestment Action Plans – Track the progress of 159 neighborhood action items here. These actions plans are a combination of public recommendations from the Neighborhood Planning Process and the City's community improvement projects scheduled for the 10 flood-affected neighborhoods along the Cedar River.

Recovery & Reinvestment Coordinating Team – This team of community leaders was formed in June 2008 for the purpose of flood recovery coordination, collaboration, and problem-solving.

River Corridor Redevelopment Plan – Thousands of citizens participated in three open houses to create a permanent flood management system. The plan was submitted to the US Army Corps of Engineers in November 2008.

US Army Corps of Engineers Feasibility Study - The US Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a feasibility study of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids . The purpose of the study is to determine if a federal project to build permanent floodwalls can be recommended as economically feasible and environmentally acceptable. To learn more about the Army Corps, click here.

Voluntary Property Acquisition (Buyout) Program – The Cedar Rapids City Council approved this voluntary property acquisition program on February 25, 2009. Registration ends on July 17, 2009.

FLOOD LINKS
Current River Level at Cedar Rapids – Click here to learn more from the US Geological Survey's National Water Information System.

FEMA Flood Safety information – Click here to learn more about flooding disasters in the US.

Precipitation Forecasts – Click here to learn more from the National Weather Service's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center .

Rebuild Iowa Office – Click here to learn more about the State of Iowa 's Rebuild Iowa Office.