PROJ02027

• Contract/PO #: FS0044FX
• Contractor Name: Larimer County, Board of County Commissioners
• Contract Type: Miscellaneous
• Water District: 0
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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City Manager

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October 5, 2000

Mr. Dan McAuliffe.
Acting Director . . .
Colorado Water Conservation .Board.
Colorado Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Street, Room 721
Denver, CO 80203

Re: Dry Creek Flood Control Improvements

Dear Mr. McAuliffe,

On behalf of the City of Fort Collins I would like to share my thoughts on the City's position
regarding the Dry Creek flood control project and.the relationship between the City of Port
Collins and Larimer County on this matter.

Drainage in the north Fort Collins urban area needs to be addressed. Dry Creek has a drastic
impact on the area due to its wide and encompassing floodplain. Properties within this
floodplain must adhere to floodplain regulations, which financially impacts many homes of low-
income families and small businesses. Damages from a major flooding event would have a
devastating impact on these properties and is estimated to be some $13 million in magnitude.
Also, past urbanization above irrigation ditches posses a threat to ditch over topping and the
flooding of downstream properties.

The City of Port Collins has worked cooperatively with Larimer County on the resolution of
these drainage problems. We have shared costs in the development of basin master drainageway
plans and engineering studies, public outreach, and the signing of an intergovernmental
agreement (IGA). This IGA formulized the importance of addressing Dry Creek as a priority
and the commitment by both entities to work cooperatively in planning and funding the
necessary improvements. Also, both the City and County were successful in obtaining a
construction loan from the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

As City Manager for the City of Fort Collins I support the loan application for the usage of
Severance Tax Trust Funds from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). The City of
Fort Collins will be a financial player in the resolution of the Dry Creek flooding issues as was
previously stated in the IGA. I can't commit the Fort Collins City Council for any future formal

- ~.f.'.c.au..~ ..

300 LaPorte Avenue. P.O. Box 580. Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 . [phone] . FAX [phone]