Five years after the 2020 derecho, construction continues in Cedar Rapids and Linn and Benton counties to rebuild housing damaged or lost.

Federal grant funds awarded to Iowa are helping Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities replenish what was lost and build sturdier, wind-resistant and more energy-efficient homes.

High construction costs for materials and labor, though, significantly impact developers' ability to build more resilient homes.

More homes and funding are ultimately needed to fully address the impact of the 2020 derecho, according to local officials.

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ATKINS — Hurricane-force winds from the 2020 derecho leveled a Morton building and two other outbuildings, uprooted trees, ble

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