Davenport flood mitigation projects set to start in 2023

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — In late 2023, residents and business owners will see some of the first projects of Davenport’s flood mitigation plan under construction.

The first phase of Davenport’s $165 million plan aims to address floodwaters that surge up from the ground because of backed up storm sewer systems.

And two projects are funded and will go out to bid and construction in late 2023, according to Assistant Public Works Director Clay Merritt.

The Quad-City Times reports that after the river crested at a record 22.7 feet in 2019, breaking temporary HESCO barriers and causing upwards of $30 million in lost revenue and damages, businesses and residents clamored for a more permanent solution to address surging floodwaters.

For decades, Davenport residents have resisted a flood-wall, for concerns it would impede resident access to and views of the mighty Mississippi.

But a flood study done by engineering company HR Green laid out a lengthy list of projects that by the end of a three-phase plan aims to keep River Drive open at a flood stage of 22 feet that includes updating storm sewer infrastructure below ground, raising sections of roadways, and starting a cost-share program between the city and business owners to flood-proof buildings.

Most recently, in December, federal lawmakers passed a $1.7 trillion bill to fund the government. Included in it were earmarks for projects in legislator’s districts. Although Davenport’s representative, Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks voted against the final bill along with most of her Republican colleagues in December, 12 community projects in the 2nd District made it into the final bill — including $1.265 million for Davenport’s flood mitigation efforts.

That funding will go toward storm sewer improvements at the intersection of...