**May 23, 2025**
The City of Dubuque is set to launch the Dubuque Gate and Pump Station Flood Mitigation Project with a kick-off event at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27. This event will take place at the Eagles Watch Audubon Overlook, located at the 16th Street Detention Basin. Community members are encouraged to attend to gain insights about the project. A convenient parking area can be accessed from 16th Street.
This initiative is part of the larger Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project. It includes the construction of a new stormwater pumping station on Kerper Boulevard and the decommissioning of the current pump station integrated into the John C. Culver Floodwall/Levee system.
The new facility will feature a flood gate, four state-of-the-art pumps, each capable of handling 100,000 gallons per minute—effectively doubling the capacity of the current system. It will also include upgraded electrical services and the installation of backup generators. These enhancements are aimed at significantly improving the system responsible for channeling stormwater from the Bee Branch Watershed to the Mississippi River and ensuring flood protection during high river conditions. The project is designed to bolster resilience against increasingly intense and heavier rainfall.
Portzen Construction has been awarded the project contract with a bid totaling $26.6 million. Completion of construction is anticipated by March 2027, with the project fully finalized by July 2027. The City of Dubuque has obtained $24,650,000 from state and federal grants for this endeavor, which includes an $8.7 million FEMA Community Project Grant and a $7.7 million Disaster Recovery Grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The remaining funds will be secured through stormwater utility fees and a state revolving loan.
