CEDAR RAPIDS - The City of Cedar Rapids is moving forward with its increase in interim flood protection. The following actions were taken this month:

Tiger Dams – The water filled bladders that will be used in the Time Check area along Ellis Boulevard NW to increase the flood protection from 22 to 24 feet were purchased on March 9. They were received on March 19. The preliminary date for the training on the material will occur on April 15.

Pumps – Over the last five years, the city has been modernizing and increasing the number of pumps used for pumping storm and sanitary water during floods and maintenance work. Prior to the May 2004 flood, the city had 32 pumps of various sizes. The number was slowly increased to 42, prior to the June 2008 flood. With the receipt of seven new pumps this week, the city now has repaired or replaced all of the pumps and has 49 available for use. The city has been shifting to diesel operated pumps with 25 gallon tanks which require fewer personnel to fuel and maintain during operations. Over the next year, the number and capacities will be increased to meet the expanded need per the flood plan.

Haseco Boxes – These are earthen filled boxes that will be used in the downtown and Czech Village areas to increase the flood protection from 22 to 24 feet. They were purchased on March 17. The company reported that partial shipping may start as early as March 24. Over 200 truck loads of fill, for use in the boxes, has been pre-positioned in south east Cedar Rapids at the Sinclair site.

Looking down 2nd Ave towards the Federal Court House and May’s Island after the flood in downtown Cedar Rapids on Sunday, June 15, 2008. (Steve Gravelle/The Gazette)