DES MOINES, IA, July 14, 2009 -- Waters from the epic 2008 flood didn't prevent Iowa farmers in Des Moines County from getting into their fields in 2009 thanks to cooperation between officials from a state agency, county government, state government and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Nearly 22,000 acres of land in Louisa and Des Moines Counties were inundated with flood waters when a levee on the Iowa River was breached. The resulting flood caused causing massive damage to three drainage districts and a levee district located in the two counties.
Officials from the Two Rivers Levee and Drainage District worked closely with the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors starting in June of 2008 to provide "bridge" funding of several projects in the three drainage districts and the one levee district so recovery work could begin immediately.
As work as been completed, actual costs have been reimbursed by the state with FEMA funding. As of June 30, 2009, Two Rivers Levee and Drainage has been paid $3.8 million. This is part of the $17.7 million in obligated projects for debris removal, emergency protective measures and various projects in the combined drainage and levee districts organized under Two Rivers.
"Because of the forward-thinking of officials from the Two Rivers Levee and Drainage District and the cooperation of the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors, State of Iowa and FEMA officials were able to complete these important flood-fighting projects so that Iowans in the flooded area could continue their recovery process," said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Parker.
The three drainage districts which sustained significant damage -- and the amount of assistance each has received to date -- were:
- Louisa-Des Moines County Drainage District No. 4. Over $1.7 million has been paid for debris removal, Emergency Protective Measures and for the Water Control Facilities
- Des Moines County Drainage District No. 7. Over $945,000 has been paid for debris removal, Emergency Protective Measures and for the Water Control Facilities
- Des Moines County Drainage District No. 8. Over $90,300 has been paid for debris removal, Emergency Protective Measures and the Water Control Facilities
Over $1 million has been paid for debris removal, Emergency Protective Measures and for Public Buildings in the Flint Creek Levee District No. 16.
>> More Information on Iowa severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
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