Ames Flooding Meetings Continue Wednesday and Thursday

By Susan Gwisada

City of Ames

Nearly 60 participants attended the recent flood mitigation public input sessions held Tuesday and today. The purpose of the meetings was to receive comments, concerns, and potential solutions to flooding issues in Ames. A second round of meetings is scheduled for next week and will feature a formal presentation followed by a question and answer session. Those sessions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the Scheman Building, Room 004, and from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11 at Ames City Hall, City Council Chambers, 515 Clark Ave.

Those who are unable to attend these meetings may participate online by going to the City’s website atwww.cityofames.org and following the flood mitigation study link. The direct link can be accessed athttp://amesfloodstudy.hdrpi.com/open-house/. The online open house takes participants through a slide show, history of flooding, terminology, and provides opportunities for feedback.

Ames’ location at the confluence of Squaw Creek and South Skunk River has created challenges with flooding over the years. Major floods occurred in 1965, 1975, 1990, twice in 1993, 1996, 2007, 2008, and 2010. The most recent flood was severe and affected many residents and businesses. It also motivated the Ames City Council to pursue the Ames Flood Mitigation Study. The goal of this study is to identify ways to reduce the impact of future flooding on the Ames community. The success of this study relies on resident and property owner participation.

Meetings with the Ames City Council will be held on Tuesday, October 16 as part of a Council workshop, in November, and in January 2013 as the flood mitigation study progresses. Learn more and join the project mailing list for meeting notifications at www.cityofames.org.