The worst natural disaster in Iowa history was the severe weather and flooding that hit the state of Iowa during the months of May and June 2008. Governor Chet Culver called it the "500 year flood". It displaced 40,000 Iowans.
The governor's Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission recently issued its final recommendations for a long-term vision of recovery and rebuilding. Universal Design was recommended in the context of the required large-scale infrastructure rebuild necessary. Livability is a prerequisite to being a destination of choice. It is encouraging to read of forward-thinking communities who take advantage of adversity to achieve inclusion through design:
The commission also emphasized the importance of infrastructure investments in sewer systems, roads, and bridges. The panel recommended that the state should take the lead in planning, establishing expectations statewide, and securing funding for infrastructure repair, rebuilding, and construction.The state should complete a comprehensive infrastructure plan, including transportation, and develop state policy regarding incorporation of smart development principles, green building practices, energy efficiency measures, universal design, and livability appropriately into infrastructure initiatives, the commission recommends.
Source:
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/nov2008/2008-11-19-092.asp
Posted by rollingrains at November 21, 2008 09:52 PM