Daily Staff Writer

Owners of already flood-proofed businesses and people who were affected by the flood will speak. City inspectors, engineers and FEMA representatives will also give reports.

The city of Ames and the Ames Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor a program on building flood-proofing. This informational session will be held Thursday, July 18, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the University Inn.

“There is much history behind this,” Bob Kindred, assistant city manager, said. “Following the major record-setting floods of 1993, the city of Ames, Story County, Iowa State University and the Department of Transportation all participated in a flood task force.”

The task force consisted of experts in various fields who worked to identify the causes of flooding. The group looked at various areas of Ames to determine how they contributed to the flooding problems.

The task force members thought of many ways to reduce the damage to local businesses caused by flooding. The city considered building levees or dams. “The most cost effective way is on a building-by-building basis,” Kindred said.

The information gained from the task force investigations will be used to inform business owners on how to protect their property from further damage. The meeting will also cover the results of a recently completed flood plan study.

Several presenters will describe the costs involved and city council incentives, Kindred said. “Our focus group is commercial property owners in the flood plain, but everyone with property in the area is invited,” Kindred said. He said although there are very few residences left in the flood plain, home owners are welcome to come to the program.

The program is free of charge and no registration is required. “We’re just happy for people to come,” Kindred said.