Expanding the Flood Control System

Successfully responding to the adaptation of climate change means understanding the consequences of climate change and working to mitigate them. The City of Cedar Rapids’ biggest climate risk is increased flooding; therefore, the work our teams are doing for the Flood Control System is crucial. The Flood Control System is designed to convey the same water volume as the Flood of 2008, reducing flood risk through the heart of Cedar Rapids on both the west and east sides of the river. The system will include a combination of floodwalls, levees, pump stations, and gates, and will incorporate aesthetic elements that reflect our community’s culture, history, and vision.

“This system will help to improve environmental quality by establishing systems to protect wildlife, water, and air quality,” said Rob Davis, Flood Control System Manager. “Having these permanent measures in place will allow the City to create a lasting future that will protect its residents from financial, physical, and emotional hardships as they relate to flooding events.”

The most recently completed Flood Control System project is the floodgate located at 1st Avenue, which is 11 feet 3 inches tall. During a flood event, this wall, weighing more than 80,000 pounds, will roll across 1st Avenue, lock into place, and keep flood water out of the downtown area. This floodgate has the convenience of easily rolling across the road in five minutes, with the help of an electric winch, and closing off floodwaters from the downtown area.

The Czech Village Pump Station is the largest pump station to date. This pump station will be located south of the 12th Avenue bridge. Once completed, the pump station is anticipated to have a pumping capacity of up to 145,000 gallons per minute. This much-needed addition to the City’s southwest quadrant will ensure that rainwater will be pumped as needed back into the river, lowering the City’s risk of flooding. Pump stations are designed to lift stormwater when flood gates on storm sewer pipes are closed off at the river. Within this pump station, a series of gates will be installed to direct stormwater back and forth between the storm sewer pipes and pumps. Ultimately, this will prevent river and rainwater from backing through the sewer into the neighborhood areas.

The relocation of the Riverside Skate Park and playground will make room for a large detention basin as part of the City’s flood control system. This $4.5 million investment will improve the air quality of our community with the addition of a new parking lot, trees, and shrubs, and will encourage more physical activities for residents. These improvements will also increase the use of green infrastructure, such as a storm water detention pond, since it relies on less mechanical equipment, resulting in reducing the City’s carbon footprint.

During a rain event, detention basins create a large pond where rainwater can collect and be stored while waiting to be pumped over the flood wall. Using a detention basin can shrink the size of a necessary pump station, in this case substantially, at approximately $6 million. Using a smaller pump station also makes for a smaller carbon footprint and lowers future maintenance costs while improving air quality.

Learn more about the City’s Flood Control System and view the Master Plan at CityofCR.com/FloodControl .