(Radio Iowa) – The statewide nonprofit group Iowa Rivers Revival has named Dyersville its 2023 “River Town of the Year.” The group’s executive director, Luke Hoffman, says Dyersville met all of their criteria.

The North Fork of the Maquoketa River flows through downtown Dyersville – and while for many years it was viewed by some as an inconvenience due to flooding, the community is now beginning to embrace the river and take steps to improve the riverfront area. Hoffman says the city has changed that with its water plan.

Dyersville Mayor Jeff Jacque says it’s a big honor.

The Bear Creek project was the first, and the second – – a stormwater wetland project on the North Fork just wrapped up. They’re now trying to get funding for the Dyersville Downtown Driftless Float Park project. Mayor Jacque grew up in Dyersville, and says he’s proud to see how his hometown is now embracing the water.

The Dyersville community celebrated their “River Town of the Year” Award during a public ceremony (Wednesday) the Westside Park Pedestrian Bridge.