University of Iowa Hydrology Report - Flooding in the Iowa Great Lakes

June 4, 2019

Jen Johnson-Ross

Community Development Manager

Iowa Great Lakes Association

712-330-1178

jennypattyjohnson@yahoo.com

University of Iowa Hydrology Report – Flooding in the Iowa Great Lakes

High water levels in 2018 promoted the Iowa Great Lakes Association (IGLA) to engage the University of Iowa’s Institute on Hydroscience & Engineering Department to evaluate and present options to prevent further devastation to the environment, personal property and the recreation/tourism industry that drives the economy of Dickinson County.

On Wednesday, June 26^th at 1:30 pm the public is invited to the Sami Bedell Center for Performing Arts in Spirit Lake as world-renowned research engineer and professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Iowa and his team as they propose options to the high water eroding shoreline, damaging docks and hoists and adversely affecting the lodging/dining/retail/marina industries relying on the lakes for their livelihood. Dr. Weber is working with Governor Reynolds to examine flooding throughout the State of Iowa and is part of a consortium between IIHR and the State of Louisiana looking at the Mississippi River as it relates to both states.

The University of Iowa’s comprehensive analysis of our watershed’s flooding history and recommendations for preventative measures Dickinson County can and should implement to prevent further devastation to our natural resources and local economy.  Both the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors and City of Milford are able to implement change, and your support and attendance at the June 26^th presentation is imperative.

As of Wednesday, May 29^th the Iowa Great Lakes area a mere 3-inches from a No Wake Zone.  While the No Wake Zone makes for a calm lake, it also drives people away from Iowa’s #1 vacation destination, this keeping hotel rooms vacant, seats at restaurants empty, lower attendance at area amusements and a direct hit to the marine industries.

As a nonprofit 501(c)4 organization IGLA lobbies and seeks legal action when the Iowa Great Lakes are threatened.  Visit www.iagreatlakes.org and our social media platforms to learn more (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter).

For interviews, please contact Tom Clary of Clary Lake Service at 712-338-2652 tom@duralift.com or IGLA President Bill VanOrsdel at 512-240-2713 Bill@bvanorsdel.net