The city of Ames will likely be receiving $150,000 from the Iowa Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP).

The money will be used to change about seven acres of land ravaged by the flood of 1993 into city park land.

The grant, which is still subject to commission by REAP, should be formally announced later this month.

The land, occupied by 26 homes before the flood, is on the banks of Squaw Creek. The homes were severely damaged during the flood, and the city bought all but four of them with $1.6 million from the federal government.

The houses, between South Riverside Drive and Russell Avenue, have been demolished.

Officials plan to use the grant to incorporate the old flood land into existing parts of Stuart Smith Park. Plans include the construction of a paved path running north-south through the park and a pedestrian bridge, which will cost $90,000.

Three mini-shelters with six-person picnic tables are also planned.

“We’re thrilled. It’s just really exciting,” said Nancy Carroll, director of Ames Parks and Recreation. She said the plans are to help make the park and Squaw Creek more accessible to residents.

Construction should begin in the spring or summer of 1996 and completed by the spring of 1997. Carroll said no access to the park will be lost during the construction.