Gary Grant [City of Cedar Rapids]
While the language is simple, its implications are complicated, farreaching, and would have devastating impacts on the progress cities have made towards the better management of stormwater in our communities and for downstream watersheds. Chapter 72 of Cedar Rapids city code would largely have to be repealed. The requirements of that chapter are meant to keep stormwater infrastructure functional and easily maintained. The requirements also helps to reduce flooding by encouraging detention and infiltration. Without local control of stormwater management requirements, cities will remain susceptible to flash flooding and the significant flood protection efforts will be undermined. HSB 536 would drastically reduce our ability to require onsite detention, review development plans for adequate stormwater management, restrict the unauthorized filling of detention basins, and perform inspections for compliance. If HSB 536 passes, the cost of building larger pipes to handle increased runoff from new developments without proper stormwater management practices will be a burden to taxpayers. Even more alarming, in a community that has experienced historic flood events, the size of pump stations to be built with the Flood Control System will become massive if proper stormwater management in the watershed isnt achieved. For these reasons, the City of Cedar Rapids opposes HSB 536.
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