News : Flood anniversary goes unobserved in Vinton

The only visible reminder of 2008 flood near courthouse on 2-year anniversary is LEC rebuilding.

The first anniversary of a major event like the Flood of 2008 is a big deal, said Scott Hansen.

The fifth anniversay will be a big deal too, predicted Hansen, the director of the Benton County Emergency Management Agency.

The second anniversary, he said, is no big deal.

There were no ceremonies, no memorials, no public gatherings on Sunday, June 13, 2010, the two-year anniversary of the 24.7 feet flood crest in Vinton.

People traveled into Vinton uneventfully on Highway 150, crossing the Cedar River bridge.

There are some visible reminders of the flood for those who drive into town on that route: The construction of the new jail that replaces the flood-damage building, and several homes still awaiting demolition.

All in all, said Hansen, Benton County and the City of Vinton have recovered well, although some individuals whose homes were damaged or destroyed are still strugging.

Meanwhile, the recovery efforts continue. Hansen is preparing to attend a meeting this month about a new flood mitigation program that could help fund flood barriers for the area around the new Law Enforcement Center/Emergency Operation Center that would keep the area around the building dry in another flood. The building itself will be a foot higher than the flood waters of 2008, but accessibility to the building could be an issue in a flood of that level. Flood barriers are seen as the most practical solution to that potential problem.