FLOOD06794 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

selected to provide the ~ost effecient use of ~~e land for farming. ~ow, the d~tch is being increasingly used as a flood channel. Because the bends and extremely flat gradient considerably limit its capacity, overflow and bac~water flooding even during minor floods are a persistent problem. Enlargement of the drainage structures previously discussed at the Burlington Northern trac~s and at Highway 14 and minor ditch improvements would considerably reduce flooding in this area. Realignment of the ditch between Highway 14 and Division Avenue would reduce bend losses, shorten the ditch by approximately 25 percent, and increase the gradient. These improvements would considerably increase ditch efficiency. Because the relocated ditch segment would conform more closely to the natural flood plain, it would be easier to maintain a floodway area. The floodway could serve a dual purpose, as for example, a transportation link around the City between Highway 14 and Highway 138. In the lower reach of Pioneer Ditch (North 7th Avenue and Franklin to Highway 138) we recommend that the ditch be relocated where necessary and enlarged. We also recommend that detention storage be provided. The storage facility should be located on the north side of the ditch just east of the intersection of ~orth Division Avenue and Pioneer Road. The capaCity of this small reservoir should be a jeast 150 acre.feet. Such a facility could be developed into an attractive pUblic recreation area. During high flow periods, water could spill into th,:, reservoir. loIithditch improvements and detention storage, the baCKwater flooding that now occurs in the Whitcomb Addition and surrounding area would be eliminated. The total cost for replacing inadequate structures, ditch improve ment,ditch relocation,ando::!etention storage is estimated to be $ 4,601,83 5.00. Basic options are available to the City as follows; 1. Do nothing and manage the area within the city limits west and north of town as a flood plain. Participate in the ~atior.al Flood Insurance Program. Future policy would be not to annex anydeveloprnentsoutside the City that lie in the f100dplain unless s~ch development is consistent with criteria set forth in the Federal Emergency ~anagement Agency's regular program (see National Flood Insurance Program Regulations). 2. ~ake drainage a short-term priority anc make needed Pioneer ~itch improverr.ents consitentwith NflPRegulations. l:nprovernentstothe DitCh would also be compatible with future needs (and opportunities) fer regional flood control, an':: allow addHional development in tne flood plain west and north of town. 3. ~ake regional flood control a short. term priority and integrate needed drainage i"-provernents'into the flood control plan. Option 1 would do nothing to mitigate existing problems; whereas option 2 wouldbea phasing in of the structureal elements as opportunities and funds become available. Short. term priorities would be to upgrade the Pioneer Ditch System. Upgrading the Ditch would ~esult in necessary drainage improvement and reduce damages from regional floods. Ultimate development would eliminate the Pawnee Overflow and control flooding from Sand Creek. Option 3 'ilould invo:ve near-sir,ul tainec~s ~evelopment Of all the structural elements necessary for drainage improvement and regional flood control. OPtions For Reqional Flood Control and Drainage Improvement The Pioneer DitCh is a key element in providing adequate drainage a~d re9~Oi\a; f100~ ~ol\tr'ol. ,;1" ditcll ~4S .",r'~ous deficienci"," Jet Ollportuniti"," exist for improving drainage and essentially eliminating serious flooding. The mitigation measures we propose will require co-operation between tne railroads, ditch companies, Colorado ~ivision of Highways, Logan County, and the City of Sterling. Because these solutions are costiy, comp1ex and iong-te~. the City basically ~ust decide on shart-te~ priorities between drair.age and flocd control. , ,i