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Levee Saves Small Town from Flood, Now Town to Save Levee

Maureen Wurtz

HAMBURG, IOWA (KPTM)- Though the waters have dried up, people in Hamburg are still fighting the after effects.  During the flood of 2011, people raised a levee outside of town to beat the waters, and they won.

One year later, town officials said they need money to get the levee up to federal standards, so it can continue fighting flood waters.

"As simple as it is, it's about dirt," said Mayor of Hamburg, Cathy Crain. "It's just about some dirt."

"It's made with some of the best dirt there is," said Dave Mincer. Mincer lives in Hamburg. He used his own soil from his farm to build up the levee last year. "This has the best top soil for growing crops-right in the core of it."

 "This levee did it, and so did all the towns people," said Crain.

 Crain and Mincer agree that even though the town of 1200 beat the flood last year, there is still more to do.

"We are not asking for a hand out, we're asking for a hand," said Crain.

 Crain and people of Hamburg, have turned to the Internet to help raise money to keep the levee.  The levee just outside of town isn't up to federal standards, and would cost Hamburg about 5 million dollars to get it there.

"Every now and then, even the little guy needs a win," said Crain.

Crain said having the levee up to standards will help the town regain its footing after the flood. "We won our town last year by fighting for it," said Crain. "We want to win again by fighting for it."

"One of these days, water will be brushing up against here again." Said Mincer. "We're looking towards our future."

A future that could be in trouble if businesses decide to leave as flood waters move in.
If the businesses aren't her, the people aren't here, and Hamburg isn't here," said Kent Clayborne. 

Clayborne has lived in Hamburg for 36 years, and the banker said he hopes that the town will continue to grow for many more years. "I've been here last year during the flood-you see what a community is all about."

 All are hoping that the community can come together and donate.

 Mincer said, "I think it's a success story here. It's a levee that needs to be saved because ultimately, you'll be saving the city of Hamburg."

 So far, they've raised $28,000. "The greater good makes it all worth it-we saved the community-and it makes it all worth it," said Mincer.

For these folks, the greater good is helping Hamburg.

 To visit the Website to donate to hamburg click here.