After The Flood - Meeting notes from 9/11

The first speaker talked about the difference between a Green belt concept which is designating an area around a development city or area that provides a natural barrier limiting sprawl growth and dividing the community from the surrounding area and greenway which is a buffer along a designated area could be a river area that would have a green space designated to allow for flooding and would allow other activities that wouldn't be affected by flooding. This speaker also talked about FAIR the land issue that's on the ballot this fall to purchase so may acres of land in Johnson County over an extended period of years to protect natural areas. Jim Throgmorten discussed more directly the Cedar Rapids flooding issues and talked about long term planning and changes that could occur looking at European standards that allow building in flood prone areas utilizing construction principles that aren't affected by flooding. The last speaker was Connie Mutel very interesting talk about the history of soils and water retention and flooding in Johnson County over the last 150 years. The program is going to be shown on Channel 4 after its been produced I'll let you know if I hear of the air date. They did not provide insight to clear answers about flood mitigation at this point although it was suggested that we all start working together scientists planners, politicians, and citizens alike to understand the watershed and changing the current way we do things.

In the past year I have brought together the local entities UI Engineering, Soil and Water Conservation District, USGS, IDNR Geological Survey Bureau and City staff , Iowa River Greenbelt, local watershed coalitions to colloboraberate on all of the projects and science that are going on in our watershed. Senators Joe Bolcolm and Mary Lundbe both met with and were interested in legislative long term planning. I plan on getting this group back together this fall don't have it scheduled yet but expect the urgency to work together to be higher.

Thats about it for now.

Thanks,
Carol Sweeting
Flood Recovery
Iowa City Public Works
Public Information, Education, Volunteer Coordinator
410 E Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Ph. 319-356-5164
Cell 319-541-2385
Fax. 319-356-5007