BOARD01029

• Board Meeting Date: 5/22/2000
• Description: Flood Section - Rio Grande Basin - Alamosa Flood Protection Project
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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Municipal OHices
425 Founh Street
[phone]

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Mailing Address
P.O. Box 419
Alamosa. CO 81101

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OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

CITY or ALAMOSA UPDATE #4: "The Levee Project"
-by Michael Hackett, City Manager

After over ten years of planning, the Army Corps of Engineers' Local Flood Control Project is slated to
begin construction. This project calls for the construction of over five miles of levee along the Rio
Grande, which will occur on or near the existing levee on the city side. Another levee will also be built to
protect the homes and businesses of East Alamosa. This flood control project will protect many areas
that are currently in the 100 year flood plain and will eliminate the need for flood insurance for many
homes and businesses. In addition to protecting thousands of lives, the project is also designed to
protect over $214 million worth of property.

In 1985, there was a severe flood threat to Alamosa. The sandy spoi/levee became saturated with water .
and nearly broke down. In fact, areas of the existing dike did wash away. This was not the first flood
event in Alamosa. The earliest flood recorded was 1869, although the 1884 flood was the most
damaging to date. Damagin9 floods also occurred in 1905, 1911, 1927, 1941, and 1949. The
statistically predicted 100-year event actually happened five times in this century, with other years of
threat!

Serna Construction of En9lewood. Colorado has been selected as the project's primary contractor. The
company plans to mobilize and begin construction on higher ground (the tie-back levee that protects East
Alamosa) in mid-May. Construction on the other areas of the project will begin after the spring runoff in
June or early July. The earth materials for the construction will be taken from the city ranch property
across from the golf course. This 'borrow site will be reclaimed and turned into a wetland area.

This large and complex project will disrupt our community to some extent. Those people along the river
will be most impacted. The affected neighborhoods have been included in the planning process.
Nei9hborhood representatives have been selected to assist in problem solving and communication
efforts. Hopefully. with the cooperation of all parties, this project will go smoothly. It is expected to be
completed by December, 1998.

Safety will be a major concern during constrtlction. There will be lTlany pieces of heavy equipment
running up and down the construction area. The city will be closing off access to the river area running
through town. 80th sides of the river levee system and river access will be prohibited from use.
Recreatiunal walkers. joggers. and cyclists wrll have to find other areas to go during construction.

City representatives ask that all citizens be patient and understanding during tile construction. If you
have any questions. please call me

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-April 6, 1998