In June 2024, historic flooding caused severe damage to Rock Valley, Iowa. The floods displaced 1,500 residents and submerged homes and businesses. The community faced significant infrastructure challenges, including contaminated water supplies and widespread power outages. To address the crisis, the State of Iowa applied for FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program (DRTHP), aimed at providing displaced residents with temporary housing through RVs and trailers.

DGR Engineering was tasked with designing and implementing the necessary infrastructure to support this temporary housing. The plan involved upgrading two locations—the Rivers Bend Campground and C&J Trailer Court—to accommodate 114 RV sites with full utilities. Despite the urgency and usual timeline of such projects taking years, DGR completed the necessary work in under two weeks, coordinating with multiple suppliers and contractors to quickly procure materials and equipment.

The project included the installation of sewer systems, water mains, lift stations, and concrete pads for the RVs, ensuring that both sites were ready for occupancy by the end of July. By early August, displaced families were able to move into the temporary housing units, which offered a safe haven as the community began its recovery. The rapid execution of this project exemplified the power of community collaboration and a highly responsive team working to provide essential support during an emergency.