C150080 approval letter - Laserfiche WebLink

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• . PROJECT DISCUSSION The proposed flood hazard mitigation project for the Dry Creek floodplain is a multi-objective project. The project would fulfill multiple goals and objectives as identified by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, National Flood Insurance Program, Larimer County, and the City of Fort Collins. Specifically, the proposed project will lessen the frequency and severity of flooding and decrease predicted damages within the Dry Creek floodplain, as well as provide for the enhancement and restoration of the natural and beneficial functions of the Dry Creek floodplain. In addition, the proposed project will promote economic development for local business and wise land use decisions, and create public open space and pazks for recreation. The City and County propose a joint project for improvements along the entire length of Dry Creek to address both flood flows from the watershed of Dry Creek, as well as local inflow from the downstream watershed areas south of Willox Lane. Flood flow surcharges in the irrigation ditch would also be diverted. This approach has the advantage that an outlet is provided both for local stormwater flows, as well as for flood flows originating in the Dry Creek watershed north and west of Fort Collins. This option would remove land use restrictions and flood insurance requirements on Dry Creek, as well as resolve local drainage problems. The Dry Creek floodplain would be removed by the construction of an earthen diversion channel. The Channel would divert Dry Creek flood waters from a point near the intersection of Dry Creek and Willox Lane directly south into the Cache La Poudre River. The earthen channel would be combined with a neighborhood pazk along an oxbow of the Cache La Poudre River which has been identified as a signif cant natural resource area. The selected route maximizes the recreational and natural resource benefits for public use and would also allow the channel to be located along a relatively short route reducing overall construction and long-term maintenance costs. The need for solutions to lo.�al stortnwater flow. problems would require a smaller channel to be built north of the Airport runway to handle only local stormwater inflows. Improved road and channel improvements are included to provide drainage of the area. The stormwater channel will be constructed in approximately the sarne alignment as the historic channel except it will be constructed north of the Valley Airpark runway. A preliminary design has been prepared to the extent which shows sufficient detail to properly plan relocations, bridge and culvert construction, permit the acquisition of needed project right-of- way, secure the required construction permits, and to obtain final project acceptance by all concerned/interested parties. PROJECT BENEFITS AND RESTORATION OF NATURAL VALUES The Project will provide 100-year flood protection to approximately 828 structures most of which were Pre-NFIP and below 80% of the median household income. The estimated 100-year flood damages and losses aze estimated at $8,712,000 for a 100- yeaz event within the basin. Dry Creek has the most developed floodplain with regard to the number of structures and people at risk within the City.