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<br />GG')~ <br />oJ'_ <br /> <br />FLOOD CONTROL <br /> <br />Introduction <br /> <br />The Corps of Engineers reevaluated the flood control benefits associated <br />with the Narrows Unit and provided the Bureau of Reclamation with a <br />report in November 1977. The Corps determined that the Narrows Unit <br />would reduce the flood damage potential on the South Platte River from <br />the dam downstream to the city of North Platte by about 16 percent. <br />It is also recognized that the Narrows Unit will have no effect on <br />floods originating in the Bijou Creek drainage as Bijou Creek empties <br />into the South Platte River downstream from Narrows Dam. Control of <br />Bijou Creek flooding is not an authorized part of the Narrows Unit and <br />is not included in the benefit estimate for the project. The Corps has <br />determined that upstream impoundments would not affect the flood control <br />benefits at the Narrows site. <br /> <br />The estimates of flood damages, flood control benefits, and flood <br />control storage requirements for the authorized Narrows Unit project <br />are of survey scope. Dam and reservoir operating data for the Narrows <br />Dam and Reservoir were furnished by the Bureau of Reclamation. <br /> <br />Study Area <br /> <br />The study area includes the Lower South Platte River from its mouth <br />to the Narrows Unit Dam site, a distance of about 187 miles. The <br />South Pl atte Vall~y in the study area _ts_br:.oad,_r:angJng_fr:om_Lm.iJe___ _ _ ____ <br />-- -to4miles wide: The river supports an extensive system of irrigation <br />diversions. Considerable valley land is also served by well irrigation. <br />The Lower South Platte Valley contributes an important share of <br />Colorado's agricultural production. Corn, alfalfa, sugar beets, dry <br />beans, wheat, and other small grains are the area's principal crops. <br />The feed grains and hay crops support the local cattle industry. Cities <br />and towns of varying size are located along the Lower South Platte <br />River. The larger communities have food processing and other <br />agriculture-related industries. The study area is served by numerous <br />county and local roads. Major traffic routes parallel the river and <br />include the Union Pacific Railroad, U.S. Highway 34, and Interstate <br />Highway 76. <br /> <br />13 <br />