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1998 . Colorado FIomI HlIZ1lrd Mitig8tion Plan (lOg) Infrastructure Infrastructure e tit 1-1 Lack of outlet facilities in ditches and canals BACKGROUND: Irrigation ditches and canals tend to intercept storm runoff and convey flows to adjacent basins. A breach in the drtch bank can resutt in flooding areas that normally would not be affected. RECOMMENDATIONS: . Equip drtches and canals with outlets to allow releases into drainage channels capable of safely conveying flows. . Establish overflow areas to accommOdate the flood flows. Consider upgrading structural im- provements where creeks and drainages intersect irrigation drtches. LEAD AGENCIES: local jurisdiction, public works departments, ditch companies. FUNDING: FEMA, local jurisdiction, storm water programs, ditch companies. SCHEDULE: Six to 12 months e 1-2 Need to upgrade and maintain storm drainage infrastructure BACKGROUND: During high water 'flows, some storm drainage facili- ties failed. Plugged culverts, roadway elevations and railway embankments resulted in water being im- pounded and caused significant damage. RECOMMENDATIONS: . Improve drainage structures and roadway eleva- tions. . Increase maintenance on culverts and other infras- tructure areas. . Investigate legislative changes to address railroad exemptions in current statutes. Develop model standards and guidelines where county roads cross drainage areas. LEAD AGENCIES: CDOW DLG, CDOT, Colorado General Assembly, local jurisdictions FUNDING: FEMA, State of Colorado General Funds, local juris- dictions, state agencies, railroads SCHEDULE: Immediate and ongoing STATUS: , I ~ 1-3 Improve emergency warning systems BACKGROUND: Accurate and real time data is lacking in order to wam citizens of hazards, to direct emergency response and to determine emergency measures, such as road closures. There was a substantial periOd of time be- tween the inrtial development of the storms that led to flooding in Fort Collins and Sterling in July 1997 and the actual flooding events. Nevertheless, lives were lost in Fort Collins and property and infrastructure were damaged in these communities and others. The question arises, "Was th"", a way to warn some people earlier in the sequence of events of the impending possibility of flooding?" If may have allowed emergency responders and citizens to remove more people, property and infrastructure from harm's way. RECOMMENDATIONS: , . Review existing waming systems and procedures and implement changes that address adequate, detection equipment, an understanding of author- ity, a mechanism to wam the pUblic and monitoring procedures that result in improvements; public involvement is a key component to determine the appropriate system. . Seek funding (local, state, federal and private) to sponsor an atl-day workshop on a single system (or multiple systems if more appropriate) for flood warning in Colorado; research existing systems in the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District and in the Pikes Peak area, as well as programs of the National Weather Service and of private vendors in Colorado and other parts of the country; support funding and development of a comprehensive warning system with a local match (and other funding); implement initial phase of the system. LEAD AGENCIES: local jurisdictions, CSU, CU, Colorado School of Mines, private meteorologists and other warning ven- dors, NWS, CWCS FUNDING: FEMA, NWS, USGS, local jurisdictions, agency and program funding SCHEDULE: One year STATUS: File: FffIII'.C/IapIJ,ub 1I2fIN 9:31:32 PII Chapter 4 . 6