Flood Control System Funding

Public Works

Funding

Total project cost estimate = $550 million ($750 million over 20 years)
Funding is a combination of Federal, State, City, and Private Dollars

Secured

$117 million Federal US Army Corps of Engineers
$76.3 million contribution
$41 million loan
$267 million State of Iowa Flood Mitigation Board
$15.2 million in federal and state grants
$12.5 million Federal CDBG Disaster Recovery Grant
$1.75 million Federal Economic Development Administration
$1 million Iowa DOT railroad grant

City Financial Plan Approved 9-11-18

$264 million local funding plan

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City's Financial Plan
The City of Cedar Rapids is pursuing permanent flood protection on both sides of the river. The system will cost approximately $550 million in today’s dollars. With inflation, the cost over 20 years is estimated at $750 million. We plan to complete the project sooner – in 10 to 15 years – to reduce inflation costs.

To create a funding plan, many sources for funding were considered, including public-private partnerships, FEMA pre-disaster mitigation, TIF redirection, special assessments, and more.

After much consideration, it was determined that bonding offers the most reasonable solution for the community. In fiscal 2020, City Council would be asked to issue $20M in bonds, which would result in a property tax levy increase of 22 cent tax per $1,000 in property value. Under the plan, each year thereafter would see another tax increase, but the amount could vary depending on a variety of factors that are unknown at this point, such as the interest rate on bonds, residential rollback, change in property valuations, other revenue sources to fund system, or reducing other parts of the tax levy rate. The rate would also decrease if the State legislature approved the use of 30-year bonds.

The City Council understands the importance of keeping property taxes manageable for residents and business owners and has not increased property levy rates from $15.22 for 10 years. Because of this planning, the final rate after 10 years will still be in line with other comparable cities in Iowa.

As recent flood fighting illustrates, our City has been on the defensive for far too long. Jobs, home values, and the business economy all depend on our ability to protect the city from future losses related to flooding and ongoing flood fights. Protection will also encourage future economic investment in our City. The Flood Control System is critical to protect the future of the Cedar Rapids community.

Learn More:
FCS Funding Frequently Asked Questions
FCS Master Plan Chapter 5 - revised 9-2018