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US Senators Ernst and Grassley Ask Army Corps of Engineers to Address Issues with Flooding, 4:04

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U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), joined by her fellow Iowa Senator, Chuck Grassley, is urging the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) to immediately address communications shortcomings that were brought to light during and after the disastrous flood events in Southwest Iowa.

That’s after  a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee field hearing she hosted and chaired in Glenwood last month, 

Today, Senators Ernst and Grassley along with several other Senators from states in the Missouri River Basin, sent a letter to Corps describing the feedback and concerns they have heard from stakeholders about the Corps’ operation in the wake of the floods. The letter specifically describes issues with communications between the Corps and local levee sponsors and those in harm’s way.

Wearing yellow boots and lime green vests, state officials toured flooded sections of downtown Davenport today (Fri). Mayor Frank Klipsch was the guide for Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, and 2nd District Congressman Dave Loebsack. 

Several blocks lined with businesses and apartments have been surrounded by Mississippi River floodwater since a temporary floodwall failed on Tuesday. 

Scott Lehnert (leh-nert), owner and brewmaster of the Great River Brewery, told them what happened to his business. 

lehnert11: 17  Q: walls.

The temporary floodwall protecting this section of downtown Davenport had held back the river for 41 days before the breach on Tuesday. Downtown residents and businesses had been warned beforehand that it might fail, but still had little time, only about one hour, to protect their buildings and evacuate. 

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