The Iowa city says it must seize the land of some 20 homeowners who live near the riverfront
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—Officials in this city in eastern Iowa have long sought to build a system of levees and walls to prevent the Cedar River from flooding its banks and soaking homes and businesses.
But to construct the more than $550 million flood-control system, Cedar Rapids officials say they must seize the land of some 20 homeowners who live in a low-income area along the riverfront.
“Unfortunately,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, there are families “that are paying the price for the safety of the entire city.”
The Wall Street Journal
By Shannon Najmabadi
April 6, 2023