Cedar Rapids (Iowa) to replace flood damaged Central Fire Station

Flood damage in Cedar Rapids, summer 2008. Photography by Susie Shapira/FEMA

The team of inspectors found that the Cedar Rapids fire station has suffered so much flood damage that it would be easier to replace than to repair.

The State of Iowa and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that the City of Cedar Rapids will have the option to replace the Central Fire Station.

The Central Fire Station was damaged during the historical flooding in June 2008 when approximately nine to ten feet of floodwaters poured into the building. The facility served as the primary fire command for the City of Cedar Rapids, as well as the living quarters and training facility for fire personnel.

Recently, a team of Federal, State and City inspectors toured the Central Fire Station and as a result found additional eligible damages that demonstrated that the building had sustained over 50% damage, thus providing the City of Cedar Rapids the option of replacing the facility instead of repairing it.

FEMA's mission is to support citizens and first responders to ensure that the nation works together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.