Rock Valley to Celebrate Progress and Resilience One Year After Historic Flooding

Governor Kim Reynolds and officials from the City of Rock Valley commemorated the remarkable progress made since the historic flooding disaster of June 22, 2024, today at the Valley Vue Housing Development, located on the east side of Rock Valley. The ceremony featured public remarks from Governor Reynolds and Mayor Kevin Van Otterloo, followed by a ribbon cutting to celebrate one of the many milestones in the city’s ongoing recovery efforts.

Following the disaster, the City of Rock Valley collaborated with Valley Vue Housing Development, Valley Villa Housing Development, Quilted Valley Properties, Valley Relief Housing, Rock Valley Economic Development Corp., The State of Iowa, Iowa Economic Development Authority, DGR Engineering, and many other key partners and custom builders to create over 195 new housing units on new or existing housing lots. These efforts have provided critical options for displaced residents to rebuild or purchase new homes or lease apartments, while also welcoming new families looking to make Rock Valley their home.

“This is a day of reflection, resilience, and hope,” said Mayor Kevin Van Otterloo. “While we have come a long way, I want to acknowledge that many in our community are still hurting, still searching for answers, and still rebuilding their lives. Please know—you have not been forgotten.”

This special event honored the resilience of Rock Valley’s residents and businesses, the power of partnerships, and the collective strength that has propelled the community forward. While recognizing the ongoing challenges that some still face, the day is also a celebration of the progress and renewal that has emerged from adversity.

Over the past year, Rock Valley has worked tirelessly to rebuild. “Together we have built a foundation for long-term sustainability and are still looking ahead for growth,” Van Otterloo added. “These local, regional, and state partnerships have led to tremendous investments in housing, infrastructure, and community support.”

The Mayor also expressed gratitude for those who contributed: “I especially want to thank the many organizations, volunteers, and neighbors who came here—not just to help clean up—but to help build back. Your efforts are the reason Rock Valley is standing stronger today.”

Businesses in Rock Valley have reopened and now need the community’s continued support. “Our businesses are open. They’ve fought through unimaginable challenges, and now they need one thing: YOU! Shop here. Eat here. Support the people who make this town what it is.”

Governor Reynolds' presence underscores the critical role of state and local collaboration in disaster recovery and community development, and her support amplifies Rock Valley’s message to the broader region: We are back—stronger than ever.

“It’s incredible to see commercial and housing development underway across Rock Valley,” Governor Reynolds said. “New buildings cannot erase the scars of last year’s devastating flood and tragic loss of life. But the resilience of this community remains a light to the entire state. I can’t wait to come back and see its continued progress.”

This public event served as both a reflection on the past and a declaration of the future—Rock Valley is recovering, rebuilding, and ready for what’s next. Rock Valley invites all community members, neighboring communities, and partners to join in reaffirming that Rock Valley is a “Place of Opportunities”—open for business, open for growth, and open to all who wish to be part of its story.