Exhibit 99.1


April 30, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information contact:
Doug Gulling, Chief Financial Officer
515-222-2309

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC. ANNOUNCES PURCHASE OF HAWKEYE STATE BANK IN IOWA CITY,
IOWA

West Des Moines, IA - West Bancorporation, Inc., (WTBA) through its wholly-owned
subsidiary,  West Des  Moines  State  Bank  (West  Bank),  has  entered  into an
agreement to purchase  the assets and assume the  liabilities  of Hawkeye  State
Bank, Iowa City, Iowa.

Thomas E. Stanberry,  Chairman,  President and Chief  Executive  Officer of West
Bancorporation   stated  "We  had  been  looking  for  sometime  for  the  right
acquisition  to expand beyond the  metropolitan  Des Moines area.  Hawkeye State
Bank  matches  up very  nicely  with West  Bank and the Iowa  City  market is an
exciting market."

No  personnel  changes  are  anticipated.  A search is underway to fill the open
position of president of Hawkeye State Bank.

An advisory board will be formed for the Iowa City market.

Mr.  Russell  Gerdin,  Chairman of Hawkeye State Bank,  noted "When I decided to
sell the Bank,  I wanted a buyer  that  would  continue  the  level of  customer
service and community  involvement  Hawkeye State Bank has demonstrated over the
years. I am very pleased to have reached an agreement with West Bank."

Hawkeye State Bank is a commercial  bank with two locations in Iowa City,  Iowa.
Total  assets  of the bank  are  approximately  $140,000,000  with  deposits  of
approximately $90,000,000.

West Bank is paying a premium above book value of $15,050,000.  This transaction
is anticipated to be accretive to consolidated  earnings per share  immediately.
West Bank will pay cash in this transaction. No stock will be issued.

The process of obtaining  approval  from the banking  regulatory  agencies  will
begin  immediately.  It is  anticipated  this  transaction  will be completed in
August.

West Bancorporation,  Inc. is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa and through
its subsidiary,  West Bank, has been serving the greater metropolitan Des Moines
area for 110 years.  West Bank  focuses  on lending  and  deposit  services  for
consumers and small to medium sized businesses and is a leader in Small Business
Administration  (SBA)  lending.  The Bank has eight  full-service  offices and a
growing network of ATM's.


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