For more than two decades, Lyon County has used a downtown Rock Rapids building commonly known as the county annex. Originally built in the 1960s for DeWild, Grant, and Reckart Engineering—now DGR Engineering—the building became county property in the early 2000s after the firm relocated south of town.
Now, the annex building is likely to be demolished, largely due to flood damage sustained in 2024 and ongoing delays in the federal reimbursement process.
Lyon County Supervisor Jerry Birkey says the county is still waiting on final direction and funding commitments from FEMA before any demolition can move forward.
Birkey says FEMA has tentatively accepted responsibility for about $600,000 in damage, with the state covering 15 percent under its program and Lyon County responsible for the remaining 10 percent. In the meantime, the building is required to remain in use as a storage facility. He also noted that FEMA rules prevent demolition until the process is finalized.
Before the flooding, several county departments were housed in the annex, including the engineer’s office, public health, and economic development. Those departments have since been permanently relocated.
Birkey says the county built a new facility east of Rock Rapids near the county road shop to house the engineer’s office. Public health and economic development were moved into a remodeled former ambulance garage downtown, which now serves as their long-term home.
As departments shifted locations, the reshuffling also affected the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. The former ambulance garage had been used for several years as a sheriff vehicle garage and wash bay before being converted into office space.
Birkey says FEMA delays have been a major source of frustration for county officials. He notes that Lyon County is still receiving periodic FEMA payments from flooding that occurred more than a decade ago.
While the annex building is the most visible reminder of flood damage downtown, Birkey says it is not the county’s biggest concern. He says the Lyon County Engineer’s Office and secondary roads department have several projects tied up in the FEMA process, with millions of dollars currently in limbo.
This story (and featured photo) is courtesy of fellow Community First Broadcasting station KIWA Radio
