Iowa has received $97 million to implement the Iowa Watershed Approach, a collaboration to reduce flooding and improve water quality in nine major watersheds across the state, including:
- Bee Branch Creek
- Upper Iowa River
- Upper Wapsipinicon River
- Middle Cedar River
- Clear Creek
- English River
- North Raccoon River
- West Nishnabotna River
- East Nishnabotna River
Additionally, the city of Dubuque will receive funding for needed infrastructure improvements to help families repair damage caused by repeated flooding. Coralville and Storm Lake will also receive funding to improve their resilience to future flooding events.
Funding comes from a federal Housing and Urban Development program. Iowa’s comprehensive proposal to address these issues will serve as a model for other efforts around the nation.
Iowa’s successful plan is based on work completed by the Iowa Flood Center to more effectively implement the state’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy and Flood Mitigation program in the targeted watersheds. Iowa’s plan will reduce flood risk; improve water quality; increase resilience to major weather events; engage stakeholders through collaboration and outreach/education; improve quality of life and health, especially for vulnerable populations; and develop a program that is scalable and replicable throughout the Midwest and the United States.