The Rebuild Iowa Office held its third and fourth "Speak Up Iowa!" public input sessions this week in Red Oak and Fort Dodge. "Speak Up Iowa!" provides the public with the opportunity to give their input on the recovery and rebuilding process taking place across the state following this year's devastating storms and flooding.
On Monday, residents in the Red Oak area attended the third "Speak Up Iowa!" session, which was held at the Red Coach Inn, 1200 Senate Ave. The following day, the RIO and its task force members headed to Fort Dodge, where area residents gathered at the Career Education Building on Iowa Central Community College's campus.
The input sessions initiate dialogue on the major issues facing the State of Iowa and provide an opportunity for official public and community involvement, with specific focus on gaining input for the RIO 45-day Report due Sept. 2. The session includes nine booths, each representing one of the nine task force areas. At these booths, residents will have the opportunity to voice their ideas and desires regarding the long-term recovery of their communities and the rest of the state. In addition to meeting one on one with task force members, residents also picked up valuable informational materials, addressing such topics as public assistance, housing and flood cleanup.
The next Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission meeting and "Speak Up Iowa!" public input session are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 19, in Cedar Falls. RIAC is a 15-person, bipartisan commission whose members chair nine task forces focused on specific issues that will develop further recommendations to support the state's strategic recovery and rebuilding process. The Commission reports to Lt. Governor Patty Judge, who is executive director of the Rebuild Iowa Office, which coordinates all state recovery activities. Major General Ron Dardis of the Iowa National Guard serves as the Commission's chairman.
At Tuesday's "Speak Up Iowa!" session, Cedar Falls-Waterloo residents will also have the opportunity to provide input about the State's recovery and rebuilding efforts. Informational materials will be available and task force members will be on-hand to answer residents' questions and accept their input via the "Speak Up Iowa!" surveys. Iowans can also fill out the surveys online at www.rio.iowa.gov.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2008
WHAT: Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission to hold its fourth meeting to discuss the state's disaster and rebuilding efforts.
WHERE: Holiday Inn Cedar Falls - University Plaza
5826 University Ave.
Cedar Falls, Iowa
WHEN: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2008
WHAT: Rebuild Iowa Office to hold fifth "Speak Up Iowa!" public input session.
WHERE: Holiday Inn Cedar Falls - University Plaza
5826 University Ave.
Cedar Falls, Iowa
WHEN: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.