Community fears flooding as whitewater park plans remain unclear

November 04, 2024 | Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, Iowa


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Community fears flooding as whitewater park plans remain unclear
In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised about the proposed whitewater park project. A speaker expressed doubts about the project's viability and highlighted the potential risks associated with it. They noted that there has been no clear communication on whether the project is still active or officially canceled.

The speaker referenced new guidelines from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. These guidelines emphasize that communities must ensure developments in flood-prone areas do not increase flood risks. The speaker pointed out that engineers working on such projects may not prioritize community safety, as they are often hired by the companies proposing the developments.

The discussion included alarming statistics about flooding risks in the area. The speaker explained that without floodgates, Island Park could flood at much lower water levels than previously thought. They shared data showing that over the past 11 years, there were 937 days when Island Park would have been underwater if certain conditions were met.

The speaker also criticized the reliance on a 500-year floodplain analysis, arguing that such long-term projections are not practical for current residents. They expressed a strong desire for clearer communication and more thorough studies before moving forward with any projects that could impact flood safety in the community.

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