Parallel Master Planning and Implementation to Address Significant Stormwater Needs

In June 2014, torrential rains of nearly 8 inches per hour fell in Cedar Rapids, leading to flash flooding across the city. The localized flooding that occurred during the event was significant and widespread throughout the city, causing substantial damage to private property, including massive sewer backups and washed-out roads.The magnitude of the damages and increasing frequency of these extreme events prompted the City to review and reemphasize the capacity and condition of its stormwater infrastructure. However, time was of the essence and the needs were so significant that they felt they couldn’t sacrifice construction time while waiting to shift money from the capital improvements plan (CIP) to a master plan. Therefore, the City decided that parallel master planning and implementation was the most efficient way forward. Through this approach, the City has simultaneously continued essential improvements and refocused their long-term CIP.