Davenport council approves amended FEMA BRIC grant application for West End flood mitigation

The Davenport City Council on June 24 approved an amended application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program to fund the West End flood mitigation project.

Alderman Rick Dunn moved an amendment that revised the funding breakdown for the project's estimated $15,163,224 cost, committing a $2,274,484 local match (about 15% of eligible costs), requesting $11,372,418 in federal BRIC funds and listing a $1,516,322 state share. Director Clay Merritt told the council the amendment reflects small adjustments to the totals — a net change of roughly $68,324 from prior figures — and the council approved the amendment by roll call.

After no further public comment on the amended version, the council voted to approve the amended application. The roll calls on the amendment and final resolution recorded affirmative votes by the members present; the measure passed and the city will proceed with submission to FEMA under the BRIC program.

During the discussion, Judith Lee of the second ward urged the council to consult the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for updated hydrology analysis tied to access at Credit Island before the project proceeds, saying prior Corps reports raised engineering questions about how changes could affect hydrology. The council did not alter the amendment language in response but heard the request.

The action authorizes city staff to submit the BRIC application with the revised cost and match figures and to pursue related state and federal approvals. Council members indicated the figures will be refined as staff completes grant paperwork and final project design.

What happens next: staff will finalize the grant submission materials for FEMA review under the BRIC program; the council retains the option to revisit the local match or scope if design or funding availability changes.