Cost of flood recovery...

Two months ago TODAY, the city of Cedar Rapids--my new home town--suffered from a catastrophic flood reaching an unprecedented historic level of 31.1 feet above normal and submerging approximately 1,400 city blocks, which displaced thousands of people from their homes and businesses. Local news sources compiled what the city has spent so far on recovery efforts:

• Debris Removal $3,280,749.28
• Emergency Protective Measures $28,754,319.90
• Administration $2,138,222.92
• Roads & Bridges $20,474.22
• Buildings & Equipment $3,050,402.34
• Utilities $2,321.84
• Parks, Recreation & Other $9,634.13
• Operating Expenses $1,374,408.32
• Non Reimbursable $3,516,486.44
• Total Encumbered $42,147,019.39

"To date the City of Cedar Rapids has encumbered $42 million in expenditures related to the June 2008 flood . . . the majority of cost incurred by the City relate to emergency protective measures which include cleaning and securing facilities, professional services, overtime of employees, and materials purchased such as sandbags. Non reimbursable cost includes matching funds to the Job and Small Business Recovery Fund and financial advisor assistance."