Capitol Letters: Future after flood

State Rep. Megan Jones

Last Tuesday I hosted a delegation representing the Spencer area at the Capitol.

I was able to introduce the group on the House floor and share a little bit about the flood with the entire House during a point of personal privilege.

Notably, we met with specific committee chairs regarding economic development and plans to move our communities forward.

As chair of Local Government Committee, I asked the group to present. Officials were able to provide background information to the committee about what events had contributed to the floods, the real time response to the disaster, the immediate aftermath and the continued long-term recovery of our communities.

In June 2024, the Little Sioux River crested to a height of nearly 23 feet (the previous recorded high was 19 feet in 1953). The rapidity of the rise in water did not allow for a timely evacuation for many people and 800 people had to be rescued by watercraft. The flood has been classified as a 1,000-year flood. Flood waters had affected nearly 40% of all buildings in town and with the flooding of the water treatment plant 75% of buildings experienced sewer backup. Of the damaged buildings 103 resulted in collapse and another 300 buildings required structural repair or remodeling.

City officials provided the committee with accounts of what contributed to the disaster, what actions they are currently taking to improve disaster response in real time both before and after disaster. This insight into how the city has handled the disaster and what impacts the city of Spencer has faced is valuable for the committee to as it considers legislation to provide adequate support systems and changes to Iowa Code aimed at improved preparation. In 2024, Iowa was granted three presidential disaster declarations from tornadoes and flooding.

As chair of the Local Government Committee, we will continue to discuss and learn the impact of natural disasters on our local governments. As a committee, we will investigate how to provide cities and communities across Iowa with the resources, financial assistance, and anything else needed to be equipped for the worst. 

We capped off the day with a great meeting with Majority Leader Matt Windschitl and Speaker Pat Grassley. Both of them have seen the first hand impacts of natural disasters and were very sympathetic and understanding of our area's needs.

I am so very appreciative of those who made the trip to the Capitol. The impact the first-hand accounts and information is invaluable. In the days after the visit, so many of my colleagues have expressed appreciation for their work and commitment.

Join Megan Jones for a Legislative Forum on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 11:30 a.m. at King’s Pointe Resort in Storm Lake.