Exhibit 99.1

July 11, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information contact:

Doug Gulling, Chief Financial Officer

515-222-2309

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC. INCREASES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

West  Des  Moines,  IA - On July  11,  2002,  the  Board  of  Directors  of West
Bancorporation,  Inc.,  (WTBA)  the  parent  company  of West  Bank,  declared a
dividend of $0.16 per common share of outstanding stock. The dividend is payable
on July 29,  2002 to  shareholders  of record on July 22,  2002.  As of July 11,
2002, there were 16,060,271 shares of common stock outstanding.

The third quarter  dividend  amount of $.16 per share  represents an increase of
6.7% over the  second  quarter  dividend  of $.15 per  share.  David L.  Miller,
Chairman  and CEO of West  Bancorporation,  Inc.  stated:  "The  increase in the
quarterly  dividend  is the  result  of a  strong  capital  base  and  continued
increases in net income."

West Bancorporation,  Inc. will release its financial results for the first half
and second quarter of 2002 on July 29, 2002.

West Bank  serves  the  metropolitan  Des  Moines  area  through  eight  banking
locations.




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