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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Rebuild Iowa: Avert Flood Damage with Better Land Use Planning

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Thursday, August 12, 2010   

DES MOINES, Iowa - Most Iowa towns and cities this summer have experienced flooding that has earned a spot in the record books. Rainfall amounts have even exceeded the record year of 2008 in many areas. And, while the rain can't be controlled, damage can be, according to Aaron Todd, community planning specialists for the Rebuild Iowa Office. He says most communities are using flood planning procedures that haven't been updated since the 1920s, and it's time for a reassessment.

"Perhaps there are some structures that shouldn't be located in certain areas because of heightened flood risk, and maybe that flood risk has increased over time. So, first, it's a strong analysis about the risk levels that our communities have."

Changes in land use planning can be as simple as expanding how a city's green spaces can help control floodwaters, Todd says.

"Through bioswales and rain gardens, and those types of things, to complement some of our gray systems. The fact that we do move storm water out of developments very rapidly into pipes and right into river, does heighten flood risk. "

The Iowa Smart Planning Task Force is looking in depth at how communities can have sustainable growth and reduce flood risks, he adds. The task force's first report to the governor should be ready by November.





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