Flood Mitigation Meetings Planned

By Susan Gwiasda

Flood Mitigation Meetings Planned 
AMES, Iowa – Several meetings are planned in October and November to receive public input on flooding issues and mitigation alternatives.

Open house meetings are planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the Holiday Inn Ames Conference Center, 2609 University Blvd. and from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Hampton Inn, 1400 S. Dayton. 

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. 
  
The sessions will be scheduled in two different meeting formats. First, informal open houses will give area residents, property owners, and business owners the opportunity to view information about the study and discuss goals one-on-one with City representatives and the City’s consultant. A second round of meetings includes a formal presentation followed by a question and answer session. Those meetings are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at Scheman Building and from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11 at Ames City Hall, City Council Chambers. 

Residents are encouraged to attend either or both events. Additionally, meetings with the Ames City Council will be held in October, November, and in January 2013 as the flood mitigation study progresses. Learn more and join the project mailing list for meeting notifications atwww.cityofames.org.