Work on a massive flood mitigation project in Boulder could begin next year, depending upon the approval of several federal agencies. As proposed, the project will see the construction of a dam, flood wall, detention area, and earthen embankment, and will be built partly on property owned by the University of Colorado at Boulder. What is being called the South Boulder Creek flood mitigation project took a significant step forward this month when the Boulder City council approved an annexation agreement between the city and university. That agreement, detailing the scope of the work, now makes it possible for the city to move forward with a portion of the design process. In doing so, Boulder will also be seeking the approval of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A possible new challenge to the project could come in the form of a referendum that may be voted on in November by local residents, ratifying the city/university agreement. It is not yet certain if enough signatures will be secured to place the question on the fall ballot. The estimated $47 million mitigation project, long in the planning and talking stage, is designed to protect Boulder from flood waters rising out of the South Boulder Creek drainageway. According to city sources, up to 3,500 residents and some 600 structures are located within the floodplain of the creek and are thus in danger of being flooded. Since the 1940s, the area has been significantly engulfed in water at least half a dozen times. Earlier this year, the Boulder City Council voted to green light the design process for what is regarded as a 100-year mitigation project. While working with the various federal agencies to make the project reality, Boulder must also win the approval of both the Colorado Department of Transportation as well as the Colorado State Engineer’s Office. By Garry Boulard
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