Hamburg, Iowa
In the aftermath of the devastating flooding that struck Iowa and Nebraska in 2019, Hamburg, IA, emerged as one of the communities hardest hit by the catastrophe. Submerged in floodwaters from the Missouri River and its tributaries, Hamburg faced extensive damage, with much of the town either destroyed or severely affected. The residents found themselves grappling with the challenges of displacement or the arduous task of rebuilding their homes and community.
In response to this crisis, a collaborative effort unfolded as federal, state, and local agencies, along with public and private organizations, rallied together with the Iowa communities of Fremont and Mills counties. Their collective goal was to establish a resilient framework for recovery, demonstrating the power of community collaboration and communication in the face of adversity.
An integral component of the recovery initiative was the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which infused federal funds into the restoration and improvement of Hamburg’s housing stock. This funding was pivotal not only for replacing the significant number of houses involved in flood-related buy-outs but also for increasing the availability of affordable housing and promoting overall community revitalization. Importantly, infrastructure costs were also covered by the grant, ensuring a comprehensive and resilient approach to rebuilding.