Corps finalizes the Adams & Denver Counties, Colorado General Investigation Study

OMAHA, Neb.— Yesterday, Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commanding General and 54th U.S. Army Chief of Engineers,  signed the recommended plan to implement flood risk management solutions along Weir Gulch and Harvard Gulch in Adams and Denver County, Colorado, and restore aquatic, wetland, and riparian habitat along the South Platte River. The signing of the Adams and Denver County Chief's Report moves the project forward to Congress for authorization and appropriation.

“The signing of the Chief’s Report is the culmination of many years of collaboration between the Omaha District and the City and County of Denver, as well as many other stakeholders such as the Mile High Flood Control District (formerly known as the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District), Colorado Water Conservation Board, and The Greenway Foundation”, said Jeff Bohlken, Project Manager. “We were very fortunate to have an active and supportive sponsor and group of local stakeholders who are committed to revitalizing the South Platte River and Tributaries in the Denver Metro and State of Colorado.” 

The approved plan, if authorized and appropriated by Congress, would restore nearly 450 acres of critical riparian and wetland habitat along the South Platte River corridor, while also removing approximately 460 homes and businesses from the 1% Annual Chance Exceedance (100-year) floodplain. In addition, voluntary nonstructural flood risk management measures would be available to approximately 175 structures that would substantially reduce the flood risk for these homes and businesses.  Recreational features were also integrated into the project to enhance the communities’ ownership and protection of the waterways throughout the Denver Metro.

The Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement from Omaha District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xy6zW. More information on this project can also be found here: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-waterways.html.