Sioux City defers action on Big Sioux River Levee Extension plans and engineering contract

Sioux City defers action on Big Sioux River Levee Extension plans and engineering contractThe city council opted to delay a vote on the stormwater project, which requires property acquisitions to extend permanent flood protection along River Drive.

The council deferred a resolution to approve concept plans for extending the Big Sioux River Left Bank Levee System to Beck Street.

A $20,200 contract amendment for JEO Consulting Group to handle acquisition plats and engineering design was also deferred.

The project aims to eliminate the need for emergency sandbag levees during high-water events.

The extension requires the acquisition and demolition of two residential properties, following three previous buyouts.

Funding includes an $865,000 Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management grant.

The Sioux City Council voted on July 13 to defer action for one week on concept plans and a related engineering contract amendment for the Big Sioux River Levee Extension Project. The flood control initiative (Project No. 7448-173-083) proposes extending the Big Sioux River Left Bank Levee System north along River Drive to Beck Street. According to city documents, the extension is designed to replace temporary sandbag levees currently deployed during high-water events, providing permanent protection and giving the city full operational control over the levee segment. To facilitate the extension, the city will need to acquire two residential properties at 1615 and 1601 River Drive. Site clearing, demolition, and the removal of multiple large trees will be required. Three other homes along River Drive have already been purchased and demolished to make way for the project. The deferred engineering amendment with JEO Consulting Group would increase the firm's not-to-exceed contract amount by $20,200 to $494,470. The expanded scope includes property acquisition plats and engineering design for the Beck Street extension. City Engineer Gordon Phair agreed during the meeting that deferring the contract amendment made sense in light of the concept plan deferral. Funding for the levee extension is drawn from Storm Water Abated General Obligation Bonds, which have a current available balance of $122,275. The city has also been awarded an Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Levee Improvement Program Grant, providing up to 50 percent financial assistance, or $865,000, for eligible design and construction costs. Staff plan to request additional construction funding from the state agency based on the extended project limits. A public meeting is anticipated in 2027 to update the neighborhood prior to bidding the construction work.