Des Moines 408 Review

Rock Island District
Published Oct. 1, 2021
Map of downtown Des Moines, Iowa, levees

Map of downtown Des Moines, Iowa, levees

Location

Des Moines Metropolitan Area

Description

This project is a proposal to raise portions of Des Moines I, II and III levee systems, and to raise and relocate portions of the Southeast Des Moines levee system, which is part of the Lake Red Rock Remedial Works. The proposed levee raises range from approximately 6 inches to 4.0 feet. The purpose of the proposed levee raise is to comply with FEMA’s levee certification requirements.

Background

In May 2017, the city of Des Moines submitted an initial comprehensive plan that described all the proposed levee modifications and associated mitigation actions the City is requesting Section 408 permissions. The Rock Island District reviewed this plan and approved it on July 20, 2018. The Rock Island District also entered into a cultural programmatic agreement with the City and the State Historical Preservation Office to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Status

Following the approval of this conceptual plan the city began submitting detailed plans for each levee system for final review and approval. The City has identified eight phases (A-H) for submittal of detailed plans. Phase A and B 60% plans were submitted by the City for Corps review and were approved in 2019. Phase C, 60% plans were reviewed and approved in 2020. Final plans for Phase A were approved by the Corps in December 2020. The City is actively advancing design and real estate acquisition processes on the remaining portions of the levee system, nothing is currently under review with USACE.

Additional Information

Authority

33 USC 408 (Section 408) and Lake Red Rock Remedial Works Authorities

Summarized Project Costs

Estimated Federal Cost

$ 976,000

Estimated Non-Federal Cost

$ 559,000

Estimated Total Project Cost

$ 1,535,000

Allocations Prior to FY 2022

$ 385,000

FY 2021 Allocation

$ 85,000

FY 2022 Allocation

TBD

FY 2022 President’s Budget

N/A

FY 2022 Total Capability

$45,000-70,000

 

Major Work Item Prior Fiscal Year

FY 2021: The project moved forward with coordination with the City and their A/E design firms, review and approval of final plans and specifications, review of real estate requirements, and ensuring environmental compliance on phases A, B, C and D. Coordination with City on real estate process for Southeast Des Moines (SEDM) Levee segments (E-H). SEDM levee is Federally owned, operated, and maintained.

Major Work Item Current Year

FY 2022: If funded, work will proceed with coordination with the City and their A/E design firms, review and approval of final plans and specifications, review of real estate requirements, and ensuring environmental compliance on phases B-H segments.