Letter to the Editor: Don't allow further development where flooding could occur

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Kevin Lee of Freeport):

"I remember the 2008 flood and one thing that sticks out in that memory is that the fire trucks were all moved up to Water Street as the dike was close to being overtopped.  Later at a fire protection meeting I attended as a Trustee, it was mentioned that it certainly was a close call and there should be great concern about how the emergency control systems were in jeopardy. It was stated by an official that they should be moved to higher ground.

Today and after another extreme flood (in 2016) these emergency systems are still in the same location. In addition to that, we are about to invest large amounts of money in a new school in the same jeopardized area.  I question the judgement of further development down by the City Hall and schools or even the Flats.
               
Progress does not seem to stop--more and more potentially flooding areas are proposed to be built on.  I have been told raising elevations of the property in floodplain areas by Walmart will increase the odds of flooding in the City of Decorah. If there is another flood rivaling the 2008 or 2016 flood, the dike will most likely overtop. Well at least that is my opinion. I have not seen anything in a study that's says any different."