The U.S. House approved a measure last night that includes funding for flood prevention infrastructure along the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids. All four of Iowa’s representatives in the House voted in favor of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), including Democrat Bruce Braley of Waterloo.
“The project includes the construction of three miles of flood wall and levy, and the construction of six pumping stations, to protect the people of Cedar Rapids from another devastating flood like the one that hit in 2008,” Braley said in a conference call with reporters.
The Senate approved WRRDA back in May. The funding isn’t secured just yet, however, as the House and Senate must now meet in conference committee to determine what items from each chamber’s version of the legislation is included in the final bill. “We need to walk before we can run…this is an absolutely critical first step,” Braley said.
The House bill estimates the projects in Cedar Rapids will cost just over $100-million, with $67-million coming from federal funding. Congress has not passed a water resources bill since 2007.