The City of Rock Valley is partnering with a Restoration Ecology class at Dordt University to develop a long-term plan for properties on the north side of town that will be included in the FEMA Buyout Program following the 2024 Rock River flood.
The project will focus on restoring land affected by the flooding, with federal regulations limiting future development. Because the properties fall within the floodplain, no new structures can be built on the sites, which will guide the types of restoration options considered.
City leaders say community input will play a key role in shaping the final plan. Dordt’s Environmental Studies students will use feedback from residents as they design a restoration proposal for the City.
An online survey has been launched to gather that input. Individual responses are anonymous and will help guide the class as they determine what the space could become.
Residents are also invited to attend a Community Input Night on Monday, March 17th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Parkview Event Center in Rock Valley. The discussion will give community members a chance to learn more about the project and share ideas in person.
The survey can be found at:
https://uni.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Lvpct0nr0dDxhs
City officials encourage anyone interested in the future of the flood-affected properties to participate.
