A Harkin and Grassley in Iowa Update

I had been wondering what Grassley and Harkin had been doing since their YES vote on the pork bill.

Here is an update for you. With all of their great problem solving, communication, and listening skills I think we can be rest assured that Iowans who need money will have a good chance of getting it because our two charitable Senators know how to keep the voters happy.

http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080804/NEWS/878366506/1006/news

Updated August 04. 2008 11:06PM

Grassley, Harkin see flood damage

By Cindy Hadish The Gazette cindy.hadish@gazettecommunications.com

CEDAR RAPIDS – Groundbreaking could come next spring on the new federal courthouse in Cedar Rapids if Congress approves funding when it reconvenes in September, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said Monday during a joint flood tour with Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

Grassley said it would make sense to put money toward the new courthouse, while making needed repairs to the damaged courthouse, but not to the extent of rebuilding to federal court standards.

Touring the ground level of the 1931 courthouse, U.S. District Chief Judge Linda Reade told the senators about obstacles of returning the court offices, including uncertainty over the steam supplying the building’s heat.

The first floor of the courthouse, along the riverfront at 101 First Street SE, has been stripped and cleaned, but was sweltering Monday with no air systems operating. Harkin and Grassley declined a tour of the basement, which would have required protective gear.

A General Services Administration report, expected to be completed next week, will determine if making only minimal repairs or renovating the building to be reoccupied is the more cost-efficient choice.

Reade said courts are leasing temporary space at 4200 C St. SW, where no holding rooms exist and prisoners wait outside in air-conditioned busses for their turns in court.

She noted the location of the new courthouse, to be built between the Cedar River and Second Street SE and Seventh and Eighth avenues SE, is being scrutinized, as that area also was hard-hit by flooding.

Harkin said it would make sense to build a parking garage on ground level of the new courthouse.

The courthouse has been moved onto an emergency list, but still needs funding approval.

Congressional leaders delayed action on more than $10 billion in disaster aid – including $182 million for the new federal courthouse – until after their August recess.

Not all of that money is for Iowa, but Harkin noted that a $2.65 billion supplemental package approved earlier this summer is available for assistance to flood victims now.

The money includes $300 million to the Department of Housing and Urban Development that could be used for home buyouts.

“HUD has the money,” Harkin told Cedar Rapids Mayor Kay Halloran, when she asked the senators to keep the city in the forefront. “You should be asking where is that money.”

Harkin said he just became aware of a flaw that doesn’t allow FEMA to reimburse cities if they chose to buy out homes instead of waiting until the FEMA process begins next March or April.

At a stop at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 16th Ave. SW, museum President/CEO Gail Naughton asked for a special appropriation for the museum’s rebuilding and expansion plans.

Naughton said the museum sustained at least $9 million in damages, including the buildings and exhibits.

The senators said an earmark could not go to “bricks and mortar,” but could go to special programs or other needs.

Up to 10 feet of water inundated the museum, next to the Cedar River in Czech Village.

Harkin also talked to Taylor School supporters who stood outside the museum with signs asking for support to reopen the school in southwest Cedar Rapids, which was closed because of flood damage.