Downtown Iowa City aerial showing the University of Iowa campus located on the western side of the Iowa River on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette-KCRG)

Iowa City is taking another step toward the possible creation of a white-water rafting course through the University of Iowa campus.

The City Council is scheduled to vote Dec. 18 to hire a firm to perform engineering and design work related to modifying the Burlington Street dam on the Iowa River.

City, state and federal officials said last summer they were interested in altering the dam to improve public safety, water quality, riverbank stability, fish habitat and to create recreational opportunities.

City staff is recommending the council hire Denver-based McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group. As its name suggests, it specializes in white-water parks. But that is not the main purpose of the project, said Steve Long, Iowa City’s community development coordinator.

“Improving access (to the river) and public safety are definitely the most important features,” he said.

What do you think of the idea? Would you support a white-water rafting course through the University of Iowa campus?