Rock Rapids, Iowa — For several years, Lyon County Government has owned and used a building in downtown Rock Rapids that was originally built in the 1960s for DeWild, Grant, and Reckart Engineering (Now DGR Engineering). The county moved into what has been called the annex building in the early 2000s when DGR built a new facility on the south edge of Rock Rapids. But now the annex building will probably be demolished, due mostly to flood damage.
The building’s future has been in limbo since the flood damage occurred in 2024, due mostly to delays from FEMA, according to Lyon County Supervisor Jerry Birkey. He gives us an update.
Birkey reminds us what departments were housed in the building and where they have been moved.
He says the new locations are pretty much permanent, as the Lyon County Board of Supervisors has decided it was the most cost-effective not to attempt to save the annex building.
But, the planning and reshuffling continue. Birkey says the old ambulance garage had been used for several years as a sheriff vehicle garage and wash bay.
He says they can’t demolish the annex building until they hear from FEMA, and in the meantime, FEMA requires them to use it as a storage facility.
Birkey says he “has doubts” about FEMA.
He says it’s been a frustrating process.
Birkey says the annex building might be the most visible issue, but the Lyon County Engineer’s Office — the secondary roads department — is a bigger concern. He says they have many millions of dollars in limbo.
Above: Lyon County Annex Building – KIWA Staff Photo
Below: New Lyon County Public Health & Economic Devlopment Offices (former ambulance garage) KIWA Staff Photo
