The City of Kalona is enlisting some help as they prepare to apply for local, state and federal funding to implement flood mitigation measures. According to City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh, at this week’s meeting, the council approved a proposal to hire Kalona resident and floodplain manager, Steve Lafaurie, to write grants and develop long term plans to curb the impact of flooding. During this year long process, the city will also receive assistance from staff at the Iowa Flood Center.  This will cost the city roughly $21,000.

Schlabaugh says there’s a dozen locations in the city that could benefit from the mitigation efforts. Some of those locations will likely require partnerships with landowners and Mid-Prairie School District. Ideas include reshaping ditches, as well as adding wetlands and retention basins.

Schlabaugh explains the grants they’re applying for would finance those projects, as well as fund and reimburse the repair of damage caused by this year’s flash flooding.