John Beard: Take steps to reduce future flooding problems

State Representative John Beard of Decorah says it's time for the state to do something about preventing future flooding.  While October has been a dry month, Beard notes that there are times in Iowa when "it rains a lot!"

He says the state should take steps to increase the acreage where rainwater can run off following heavy rains.  "We can do it without harming crop production," says Beard.

The Democrat says if the state doesn't spend some money to improve flood protection now it will have to spend money again on repairing damages caused by flooding.