Cedar Rapids Flood Stories

Posted on 13. May, 2009 by admin in 2008 Flood, Featured Causes, Save Iowa, Stories

Cedar Rapids Flood Stories

Cedar Rapids Flood Story

The Flood of 2008 forever changed Cedar Rapids. When the Cedar River crested, it extended well beyond the 500-year floodplain and covered more than 10 square miles of the city. A year later, thousands of residents are still struggling to rebuild.

While Iowans are known for strength and resilience, the people of Cedar Rapids can only do so much on their own and are left behind by a federal disaster funding system that some say is broken. This is not the first national disaster, and it won’t be the last.

Right now in Cedar Rapids (Palo is a prime example), entire neighborhoods sit empty and rotting. Businesses struggling to rebuild also fight to survive. The state of the economy is not helping the situation either.

The committee, the Cedar Rapids Public Relations (CRPR) group, began meeting February 2009 on a volunteer basis to help address one of the primary post-flood communication challenges. Committee members have spent countless volunteer hours creating a communitywide flood message, listing viable story leads, designing an interactive website, producing a collaborative video and crafting a compelling media kit.

Today marks the official launch of Cedar Rapids Flood Story, a website designed as a way to get out the word about Cedar Rapids. The flood stories are stories that need to be told. When significant destruction hits a vibrant and productive community, every American should care.

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2 Responses to “Cedar Rapids Flood Stories”

  1. Pam Ohsman

    13. May, 2009

    Iowa Holds Heart

    Cedar Rapids ,Iowa is were I got my start .
    Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and I will never part .
    Only away from you on a loan.
    I still have all of you on my phone.
    Cedar Rapids,Iowa we can never stay apart.
    For you are the State that holds my Heart.
    Pam Ohsman
    The Iowa Cafe Mesa,AZ
    4-13-2009

    Cedar Rapids someday I’ll be back Home.

    Cedar Rappids ,Iowa will forever be in my heart as home,

  2. Dick Hogan

    28. Jul, 2009

    Cedar Rapids and many Iowans know how great a tribute you deserve. America has followed the past year hoping you would not give up, helping whereever we can. And we know from well published news of your strength that you have no thought of giving up. You all are in our hearts.
    We grew up in Illinois and live in California due to health, have served 32 years in the Navy and have started a project to harvest floods before they flood. We’ll work with FEMA and USACE and anyone to make it work. Meanwhile when the Cedar Rapids Library gets to where it needs books we want to join in helping you get them. This web site is a great idea so we don’t send things you do not need. Your leaders are doing a great job of keeping the media tuned in and priorities high. Keep it Up!