City Council Approves Major Flood Control Funding Boost

During a recent city council meeting, Deputy Director of Engineering Tim Host presented the second amendment to the intergovernmental agreement with the Mile High Flood District, aimed at enhancing flood control measures along Dry Gulch. This amendment will provide additional matching funds for the design of improvements in the northwest area of the city, specifically between Yale and University.

Host explained that the funding model operates on a 50-50 match basis, where the city contributes funds that are matched dollar-for-dollar by the flood district. Over the past three years, the city has allocated a total of over $2 million for this initiative, with plans for an additional $375,000 budgeted for the next year. The goal is to upsize drainage systems to mitigate flooding during heavy storm events and protect private properties.

Council members raised concerns about the implications of the project, particularly regarding the responsibility of downstream areas, such as Denver, to manage increased water flow. Host assured the council that while the city aims to improve its drainage capabilities, it is crucial for Denver to also enhance its infrastructure to handle the increased water flow effectively.

The council unanimously approved the amendment, allowing the city to proceed with selecting a consultant to begin the design phase. Host emphasized that the initial steps will focus on identifying feasible projects that can be funded within the available budget, with the aim of starting construction within the next couple of years.

In a related discussion, Host also introduced a proposed 5% increase in stormwater utility fees, which is part of the 2025 budget proposal. This increase requires formal approval by the council, as mandated by city code. The council is expected to deliberate on this proposal in the coming sessions.