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Following Relentless Effort to Secure Funding, Ernst Joins Groundbreaking for Cedar Rapids Flood Project

Senator Ernst, who in 2008 was deployed as an Iowa National Guard member to respond to the flood disaster, helped secure $117 million for the project

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Following years of relentless efforts to secure $117 million in federal funding, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined city officials and others today for the groundbreaking of the Cedar Rapids flood mitigation project, an initiative that has been a top priority for the Senator since her first day in office. As a former member of the Iowa National Guard, Senator Ernst was on the ground to respond to the disaster in 2008 and saw firsthand the devastation it caused for the Cedar Rapids community.

“As a member of the Iowa National Guard deployed here more than ten years ago, I vividly remember firsthand the terrible devastation this community experienced in 2008,” said Senator Joni Ernst. “When I first entered the U.S. Senate, I made securing federal resources for this project one of my top priorities. Today, after years of hard work and collaboration from city leaders, the local business community, the state, and our Iowa Congressional delegation, we’re celebrating the resilience of the Cedar Rapids community and the beginning of permanent flood protection for this great city.”

Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart said, “We are incredibly grateful for the work of Senator Ernst, Senator Grassley, and many others who helped secure much needed Federal funding for our flood control system. The years of hard work and perseverance paid off. Their efforts will ensure the long term protection of Cedar Rapids’ citizens, property, and economy.”

Today’s groundbreaking comes more than 10 years after record-breaking flooding in the city caused approximately $5.4 billion in damages.

Senator Ernst’s efforts to secure funding for Cedar Rapids:

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