HomeMy WebLinkAbout710371.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: THE SOUTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN OF COLORADO.
WHEREAS, There is a need in the South Platte River Basin of
Colorado for protection against floods, the furnishing of adequate
water supplies, environmental enhancement and other related items.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County
Commissioners of the County of Weld, State of Colorado, does strongly
support a Resolution written by the Colorado Water Conservation
Board urging the appropriate committees of the United States Congress
to adopt the same Resolution published as House Document No. 669,
Eightieth Congress, Second Session.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and
seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 7th day of April,
1971.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST:
Cle
Cle the Board
BY: ti Deputy County Clerk
_Ada AS TOSORM
County/Attorney
710371
1/7'' a7, //9,2_z i
WAYNE VC-ASPINALL. M.C. COMMITTEES:
FOAM DISTRICT INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS
COLORADO JOINT COMMITTEE ON ATOMIC ENERGY
HOME Mdse. (A��I► }y �y �K!
F GSCRECOLORADO
;RADD Congrecz of the '�; ititeb �ta teo
HARRIET M.SHERIDAN
WELYN EERTORELLO 3ou$e of lepre$eutatlbes
WM.OlARY
RONALD MICHIELI :sj(ttpn, 0.C. 20515
J.C TM ELATES
EDWARD KEATING
March 24, 1971
Marshall Anderson, Chairman
Board of County Commissioners
Weld County Colorado
Courthouse
Greeley, Colorado 80631
Dear Commissioner Anderson:
Pursuant to our conversation the other morning
in accordance with Congressman Aspinall's request
for consideration of the Board of County Commissioners
relative to the adoption of a resolution with respect
to the attached statement is submitted for your con-
sideration and action.
Congressman Aspinall is out of town and asked
that this be brought to your attention at the earliest
possible time.
Should you have any further questions, please
feel free to call Congressman Aspinall's office at any
time.
With best wishes , I am
Sincerely,
Ronald A. Michieli
Secretary
COLORADO WATER CONSERVATION BOARD
102 Columbine Building
1845 Sherman Street
Denver, Colorado 80203
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, there is a continuing need in the Soutn Platte
River basin of Colorado for protection against floods, the furnish-
ing of adequate water supplies. environmental enhancement and other
related items; and
WHEREAS, the Corps of Engineers, United States Army, has
been of invaluable assistance to the State of Colorado in partici-
pating in the planning and construction of projects which provide
for such needs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Colorado Water Con-
servation Board in regular meeting assembled in Denver, Colorado,
this 12th day of January, 1971, that the appropriate committees of
the United States Congress be urged to adopt the following resolutions
"RESOLVED BY THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS OF THE UNITED
STATES SENATE (HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES) that the Board of Engineers
for Rivers and Harbors, created under Section 3 of the River and
Harbor Act, approved June 13, 1902, be and is hereby requested to
review the report of the Chief of Engineers on the South Platte
River and tributaries, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska, published
as the House Document Numbered 669, Eightieth Congress, Second
Session, and other pertinent reports in cooperation with the State of
Colorado and local governmental entities for the development, utili-
zation and conservation of water and related land resources of the
South Platte River basin and to submit reports and recommendations
with respect to appropriate participation by the Department of Army
in carrying out such plans. Such plans that may be recommended to
Congress shall consider the needs for protection against floods,
wise use of flood plain lands, regional water supply and waste
management facilities, general recreational facilities, enhancement
of water quality, enhancement and conservation of fish and wildlife,
measures for environmental enhancement and other related items. ";
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Board
is directed to send a certified copy of this resolution to each
member of the United States Congress from the State of Colorado and
to the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District.
CERTIFICATE
I certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy
of a resolution adopted by a majority of the members of the Colo-
rado Water Conservation Eoard in regular session assembled at
Denver, Colorado, on the 12th day cf January, 1971 .
IC
/.7.-e y am --
i IL7:: L. SPARKS, - cretary
-2-
-7/
The following Resolution was adopted by motion of Mr. Wolaver,
seconded by Mr. Manuel:
RESOLUTION
WIEREAS, as a consequence of a major flood of May, 1969,
awesome destruction has been wrought to the rivers, and
creeks of Larimer County as a result of debris deposits
remaining in the courses thereof; and
WIEREAS, to avoid further destruction of public and
private property, it is imperative that the described
debris be removed from the same public water courses;
and
WHEREAS, Public Law 91-79 provides funds for the removal
of said debris from the rivers and creeks; and
WIEREAS, this Board, in the interest of the preservation
of the health, welfare and safety of the County, regards
it to be in its best interest to participate in a debris
removal program in accordance with Public Law 91-79;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that a request be submitted
pm" , ,, ,... , , to the responsible agency of the Federal Government for
oHtc!_eTh - Larimer County's participation in the program covered by
R E C E I V E D Public Law 91-79 in the instance of the removal of debris
JUN 31970 y� from the water courses within said Larimer County.
A.M. F,MMotion Carried Unanimously.
$171819110112;12:1121!141610
A
I hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true
and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by the Board
of County Commissioners of the County of Larimer at
their regular meeting held on Thursday, June 4, 1970
as recorded in Book 23 at page 157 of the record of
the minutes of said Board.
y s D. aylor, puty &
Act g Clerk to th Board
(SEAL)
OFFICE OF
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ADAMS COUNTY COURTHOUSE
FOURTH 4 BRIDGE STREETS
Comm'esioner BRIGHTON, COLORADO 806D1
E. G. WAYMIRE
210 So. 4th Ave.
Brighton, Colorado
enmmt,,;°nor March 20, 1970
JERRY L. YOST
1260 Oak Place
Thornton, Colorado
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioner Weld County
LANCAS'ER
Box8 Greeley, Colorado
Bennett, Colorado
County Administrator ATTENTION: Mr. Glenn K. Billings
KENNETH C. RUSSELL_
Clerk o0 the Board Dear Sir:
CLYDE L. MILLER
In reply to your letter of March 9,
1970, The Adams County Board of Commissioners have
agreed that the equipment necessary to perform the
channel cleaning and debris removal would be two
D-8 Cats or equivalent and one 3/4 to 1 yard drag-
line with at least 50 feet of Boom.
The Board also named Commissioner
Glen Lancaster to serve on the "Flood Control
Commission".
Your effort and perserverance in this
matter is deeply appreciated by the Board and sincerely
hope that the desired results are attained.
Thanks for the copy of Felix Sparks
speech and please keep us posted on the development
of the Flood Project.
Sincerely,
421
Glen Lancaster
GL: 11 "Flood Control Commissioner"
•
[ +'E
t tt $ t£nan.o b{l(`4 • '} tt
•
.. F{ A
asst > x
BOA OF COUNtV'OomtvlISBIONE:I ,;'
`t DrR C �], t - it
SgFP'y(.44. dV;05 d,044.044.,%14�t
43.t i., ifs, t tt "{t
t..., k5yy# if}Lkmb gr@}F'i•,i 99!*y'." ,
e {ao-rg�i' R
tS
{ tt
March 12, 1970
Mr. Glenn K. Billings, Chairman
Board of County Commissioners
Weld County
Greeley, Colorado
Dear Mr. Billings:
We have received your letter written March 9, Z970, in which
you request from us that type of equipment which will adapt itself to the
best use in our County in the instance of the flood control endeavor.
I am attaching hereto a copy of page Z4 of Boulder County 's
"Proposed Short Range Flood Control Program", which was prepared prior to
the Washington mission by the Committee. On this page are listed our
preferences in the matter of equipment.
Mr. Joe Smith will represent our Board at the meetings of the
Flood Control Commission, together with .- . . Madonna, who is a member
of our Planning Department. Mr. Mado a possess- ' a great amount of
expertise and his presence at the = -tings will g -•tZy assist the Commis-
sion and this County.
Yours very t ly,
BOARD OF COUN'Y COMMISSIONERS
By �Ta_
rphy,
JM/jb
JIM YEAGER JOHN P. MURPHY JOSEPH M. SMITH
P.O. BOX #1063 P.O. BOX 508 P.O. BOX 354
BOULDER, COLORADO LONGMONT, COLORADO NEDERLAND, COLORADO
JOHN A. MICHIE WILLIAM C. MANUEL WARREN F. WOLAVER
FORT COLLINS FORT COLLINS LOVELAND
LARIMER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
P. O. BOX 677
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO 80521
March 11, 1970
Mr. Glenn K. Billings, Chairman
Board of County Commissioners
Weld County
Greeley, Colorado
Dear Mr. Billings :
Reference is made to your letter of March 9, 1970
relative to the equipment needed for cleaning and removal
of debris from the rivers.
Larimer County could use one mobile crane and
one D-8 Cat.
At the regular meeting of the Board of County
Commissioners this week, Mr. Warren F. Wolaver was appointed
to represent Larimer County on the "Flood Control Commission" .
Very truly yours,
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF LARIMER 1c-at 2 4< <
d n Michie, Chairman
JM/pt
JAMES STRETESKY L. E. GERBER
DIST. NO 1 BOARD OF CLERK TO BOARD
O UNTY COMMISSIONERS KARL C. FALCH
E. W. SAUDERATTORNEY
116 MAIN STREET
DIST. NO. 2 STERLING, COLO.
OF SEDGWICK COUNTY
FRANCIS KINNISON JEROME LANCKRIET
DIST. NO. 3 Julesburg, Colorado ROAD SUPT.
March 9, 1970
Mr. Glenn K. Billings
Chairman, Board of County Commissioners
Greeley, Colorado
Dear Mr. Billings:
Enclosed is the resolution passed by our Board of County Commissioners
regarding inclusion of. Sedgwick County in a Flood Control Commission for
the South Platte diver and its tributaries.
Mr. E. W. Sauder has been named as our commissioner to represent
Sedgwick County on the Commission. His address is simply Sedgwick,
Colorado 80749.
Very truly yours,
Lt. lerk�
�.Gerbe�', �
•
Commissioner — 1st District Commissioner — 2nd District _ Commissioner — 3rd District
CONRAD E. SCHAEFER ADRIAN G. EHERNBERGER DON QUEEN
Weldona, Colorado P. O. Box 141 303 Cameron Street
Phone: 645-2443 Fort Morgan, Colorado Brush, Colorado
Phone: 867-7432 Phone: 842-4332
County Clerk
A. K. CARRUTH
P. O. Box 689
Fort Morgan, Colorado Board of County Commissioners
Phone: 867-5616
MORGAN COUNTY, COLORADO
County Attorney
E. ORD WELLS P. O. Box 899 Phone: 867-5616
P. O. Box 916
Fort Morgan, Colorado FORT MORGAN, COLORADO 80701
Phone: 867-2447
March 9, 1970
MR. GLENN K. BILLINGS
Route 2 — Box 167
Greeley, Colorado 80631
Re: Eight County's Flood District
Dear Glenn,
As per our discussion, Morgan County needs two (2) D-8
Caterpillars with a wide tract and one (1) Dragline.
Thank you kindly for your assistance in this matter.
Yours truly,
I
DON QUEEN
DQ:jkl Morgan County Commissioner
Good Government is Everybody's Business
. Ri_� AID r. CHA,a MAN J"
IE 0TH AVE. Oh ELEY COLD.
L. ..II �.. —4V
GL NN K. t LL NGS, CHAIRMAN PRO-TEM
NT 2, i3O.V 11;7, GREELEY. COLO. \ 'y Wu.4/q W v✓ +�J
xwaoLO W. ANDERSON. MEMEER OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RT. I, JOHNSTOWN, COLO. //��
SAMU S .ZLLT '\JR UL�t.� 0-4').
COLNiV ATTORNEY �+ 1 0 ..,lam
ANN '3PCM I R, COUNTY CLERK
AND CLLEF OF EOARD
PHONE 353.2212 EXT. 21 I
November 19, 1969
Honorable Donald G. Brotzman
413 Cannon Office Building
Washington D. C. 20515
c/o Mr. Kenneth Haggerty
Dear Sir:
In answer to your phone call of November 14, 1969, with regard to our
work plans on the Five-County Flood Control Commission, I hereby give the
following reasons as you requested, as to why we need assistance and the
annual needs and what we feel is our solution to our problem.
Why the flood problem on the South Platte River and the Cache La
Poudre River and their tributaries shall continually become more and more of
a problem each year. As far back as we can check there has never been any
preventative maintenance to keep the channels open for free flow of the waters
from the South Platte River. We will present photographs both at flood stage
and photographs taken after the flood stage showing the debris, sand bars, and
the destruction of the channels. The channels must be returned back to the
former area and straightened where possible.
As to our needs, Weld County alone in 1965 spent $92,766.00 to replace
bridges. The total overall cost of damage to roads and bridges that year was
$166,966.00. This compares with $543,600.00 to repair damage caused by the flood
in May of this year. The main reasons for the loss was the lack of adequate
2
+- ...=:eels, ia' ye s;_nG ;Jars, a u debris which held up the flow of water
thus :.;using extensive damage to bridges. None of these figures reflect
the daaca to crops and crop lands owned by individuals in Weld County which
is estimated to exceed $900,000.00.
Each high water period causes more change in the channels, more
sand bars, more trash accumulation and in many cases the two main rivers,
the South Platte and the Cache La Poudre would take up over three miles in
distance, whereas, if these channels were cleaned and straightened they would
require far less than two miles. Dikes and levies should be built along
both rivers and some of their tributaries. The heighth of the dike or levies
should be somewhere between 8 to 15 feet high to control and to keep the water
off some of the choice and fertile farm land in the United States.
In answer to your question of where: The heavy flow of flood
waters of the South Platte River starts from run-off mainly from the City of
Denver, Colorado, fifty miles to the south, but also from its tributaries to
the south and west of Denver from the mountains. These pass through the City
of Denver, Adams County, and into Weld County. There are no dams for protection
of any kind downstream from Denver.
At a point Southwest of Greeley, waters from a large portion of
the entire frontal range drainage system including Boulder County flows into
the South Platte River causing damage to anything and everything in the flood
plain. Further downstream at a point just east of the City of Greeley, the
Cache La Poudre River flows into the South Platte River contributing water
drained from nearly 100 miles to the Northwest of the City of Greeley. In
3
Larimer County there are no dams or flood protection on the Cache La Poudre
River.
The South Platte River then continues on through Weld County to
Morraan County where other tributaries such as the Bijou Creek, which is
a major flood problem, also flows into the South Platte River. Only here
between Greeley and Fort Morgan on the Platte River are there plans for a
dam to hold or to help control the flood waters. This dam site is known
as the Narrows Dam. There have been studies made on this dam site by the
Federal Government, I believe by the Corps of Engineers, but appropriation
of monies for the construction of the' dam is questionable.
At this time I do not have the total figure for the other four
counties for the damage of the 1969 Flood, but I do know that the figures from
Boulder County and Adams County are comparable to that of Weld County.
Weld County will have to carry the brunt of the flood damage due to
the merging of all the rivers and it being such a large county with over 80
miles of the South Platte River and almost 30 miles of the Cache La Poudre
River within its boundaries.
We feel that the basic solution to this would be that each county
will have a somewhat different need because of its terrain, but that the
Commissioners in each of the five counties feel that there is no time left for
any more long range studies. There have been,many studies without any work being
done. We feel that with equipment supplied by the various Federal Agencies or the
funds to purchase the equipment, we, as individual counties can supply the labor,
the fuel and the mechanics to operate such equipment.
First of all we will remove the sandbars and trash to correct emergency
areas where. channels have changed and are destroying valuable farm and ranch land.
4
We would then build dikes and levies and straighten out the channels so as -
to create a more suitable flow of the river. The channel straightening would
be done by an agreement with the landowners and not by condeming rights-of-way.
Most all the farmers and ranchers contacted in the Weld County area are in
agreement with such a policy within. the County. We as a County would be able
to recover much needed gravel for maintenance of our roads and the operation of
our asphalt plants. The gravel alone would more than off-set our costs of operating
this equipment. Equipment that would be needed would vary with each county
but the main need would be for large bulldozers, the size of a D-9 Caterpillar,
and very large draglines - possibly 3 to 4 yard capacity. The need would vary
in different counties but it would be from 2 to 4 draglines per county. Here
again depending upon the amount of mileage of rivers in the various counties.
I would stress that the need is now. If we do not start a program
of control on the above projects mentioned, the destruction year by year will
become so great that the cost of repairs to the county roads and bridges will be
greater than the County taxpayers can bear. The cost alone to the Counties and
the Federal Government in 1965 and again in 1969 in flood damage would more
than buy all the equipment needed to put our project into full swing.
I sincerely hope that by answering the major points which you requested
in your telephone conversation to me in my office on November 14th, my conversation
being with Mr. Kenneth Haggerty, Executive Secretary to the Honorable
Donald G. Brotzman, we are setting our plans to meet with you in Washington D. C.
on the 19th of December 1969.
If there is any :,.. ,,:her information that I could supply you with
..e tlivecn now and our forth coming meeting I will be very glad and happy to
do so. 'L nail such time as we meet in Washington, I remain
Sincerely yours,
Glenn K. Billings, County Commissioner
Weld County, Colorado
GKS/wa
q ,..
-sr ^r ,'ry 9�4 ',"T i ~5} J '''','°4017'," tw §"4 t � e
, l x1{nT. T Ix r . , y P3' a '“Ili- a r A
F t ,:
`i
�Rt�Y t "!Y�r FYI Wyk
I
cc: Wayne Aspinall e r
Gordon Allott ,q=,•' 3 �,7 3.w`
v .� a
Peter Dominick
t
t "f y r' 1
� b
4 le n
ti'i t, 5i It 3'I ;',r.'‘
by "
C
,1 f� � t ��i1Z i 1 '4'4'��'
EE ht ii,lb 4• Ai
RECEIPT FOR CERTIFIED MAIL-30¢
POSTMARK
SENT TO / OR DATE
[C) t
STREET AND NO.
'U� /� i.,,. .
P.O.,STATE,AND ZIP CODE
CO ��-{�\
S EXTRA SERVICES FOR AD S ITI0NAL FEES /
to
Return Realet dr liver O
Shows to whom Shows to whom, Add essee Only
anddefe date,and where
delivered delivered ❑ 50¢fee
J Z 10¢fee ❑ 35¢ fee
ED (See other aide)
\� illPOD Form 3800 NO NOT on INTERNA IONAL MAIL
Mar.196fi
=: �`' INFORMATION
ON
�,..,..1--.f';;-l POTENTIAL PLAN
OF IMPROVEMENT
FOR
y �- t BIJOU CREEK
f BASIN
COLORADO
1 -� ,its, -
`-!4�'t-) „.„, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
[] "'11'11 U. S. Army Engineer District, Omaha
Tf f rr[rr CORPS OF ENGINEERS - OMAHA, NEBRASKA
'- "I
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
OMAHA DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
410 U. S. POST OFFICE AND COURT HOUSE
OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68102
November 1969
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
BIJOU CREEK, COLORADO
The Corps of Engineers will hold public hearings in Wiggins
and Deer Trail, Colorado, on Wednesday, 10 December 1969. The
hearings will be held at the following locations starting at the
indicated time.
Wiggins Deer Trail
1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Wiggins Community Hall Deer Trail School
At the hearings, representatives from the Corps of Engineers
will discuss the water and related land resources problems within
the Bijou Creek basin and will present a potential plan of improve-
ment to help resolve them. General information on that plan is in
the inclosed brochure.
You, your friends, and others interested in water resources
development in the Bijou Creek basin are invited to attend the hear-
ings. The Corps representatives will be prepared to discuss the plan.
At either hearing you are invited to say what you think about
the potential plan for the Bijou Creek basin. Because the views of
local people are extremely important, major views regarding the plan
should be presented in writing, at either hearing, or mailed to me
beforehand. The official record will be kept open until 10 January
1970, and written statements may be filed until that date.
Please bring this notice to the attention of all persons you
know to be interested in the Bijou Creek basin./62,14.1B. P. PENDERGRASS
Colonel, Corps of gineers
District Engineer
WELD COUNTY
FIVE-COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL COMMISSIO0
RIVER MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
DECEMBER 19, 1969
PREPARED BY
EAGLE ENGINEERING COMPANY
DENVER, COLORADO
WELD COUNTY
General :
The purpose of the report is to generally outline the long range
efforts for flood control now proposed and under way in Weld County, and
to demonstrate how these efforts will fit in with plans advocated by the
Five County Flood Control Commission.
These efforts, or prourams, will encompass year round maintenance
to help control the damages in Weld County that have been all too frequent.
The program will help in this area until projects of a much greater magni-
tude, as have been advocated, are undertaken.
We will show briefly some of the costs that have been incurred which
will , in turn, demonstrate the need. At this time it is felt by Weld
County that the most immediate need is for channel cleaning and proper
shaping of the Platte River and its tributaries.
History:
Weld County has within its boundaries eighty miles of the Platte
River, twenty-four miles of the Cache La Poudre River, eleven miles of
the Big Thompson River, twelve miles of the St. Vrain River, and seven
miles of Boulder Creek; to mention only the major waterways. Each one
of these rivers has been in its own right, somewhat troublesome in the
past, with damages quite small as compared to the scope of the June
1965 flood. Published water records, special subcommittee reports to
the Committee of Public Works, and a Geological Survey Water Supply Paper
serve to illustrate this.
The May 1969 flood was not like the one in June of 1965, even though
records are still being compiled. The areas East and North of the City
of Denver were almost unaffected in May of 1969, whereas in June of 1965,
the water records for peak flows nearly doubled in several places. An
almost incomprehensible 466,000 cubic feet per second was recorded on
Bijou Creek near Wiggins on June 13, 1965.
Area
Weld County is located in northeastern Colorado and is bounded by
Larimer, Boulder, Adams, Morgan, and Logan Counties, and the State of
Wyoming. The terrain is mostly rolling hills with six of northern Colorado's
main drainage systems terminating in the Platte River within the County
Boundary.
Economy:
Weld County is primarily an agricultural area with roughly 90% of its
valuation farm and ranch oriented. Recently the addition of the Fort
St. Vrain Nuclear Generating Station and the Kodak plant near Windsor
indicate a trend toward an increased industrial economy and urbanization.
Flood Control Planning:
An attempt at channel straightening below the City of Greeley is the
only effort being made at this time.
Later attempts will be made above the City of Greeley on the Cache La
Poudre River as soon as proper planning and equipment are available. In
this present attempt, as well as any future plans, atraightening of channels
and sizing will be undertaken only where feasible and necessary.
It is recognized by all concerned that the long range planning as out-
lined by the Corps of Engineers is very necessary and vital to the area,
and our attempts would be more of a stop-gap measure. However, with proper
guidance and control the plans as outlined will serve until such time as
the total plans as proposed by the Corps of Engineers are undertaken.
Of number one importance in Weld County would be the Platte River.
The river bed itself has been allowed to deteriorate to such an extent that
in places it is only 30% effective. What we would propose to do on the
Platte is to first clean the channel and remove all the dead trees, sand-
bars, and the myriad of other objects within its banks. Then an interim
system of dikes and levees, or repair of those already existing, with
proper protection would be installed particularly in the area between the
Weld-Adams County Line and the convergence with the St. Vrain River as has
been previously proposed by the Corps of Engineers.
As soon as this has been completed, a yearly maintenance program
would be instituted. This phase would be the key to the total programs
success, as any program without it would be foolhardy.
Similar programs on Boulder Creek, St. Vrain, Big Thompson, Cache La
Poudre Rivers, and perhaps even some of the smaller tributaries would be
undertaken and encompassed into the over all maintenance program. If this
program is instituted it is not inconceivable that the maintenance program
would be year round with the major portions being done in the winter months
during low water.
Such a program as this is necessary, in fact almost vital to the growth
and future economy in Weld County. Records showing damages and costs are
included in this report to illustrate this point. Water records, as nec-
essary, are included to help support the the need.
Coordination:
It is understood that no program should be undertaken without regard
for proper design, legal , and other complications involved. Due regard will
be given to the efforts being made by the other counties involved so that
excessive measures in Weld County's regard will nd adversely affect any
other county involved.
Damages:
Weld County in 1965 suffered county-wide damages. These will be broken
down in catagories for purposes of illustration. Many of these figures come
from the Colorado State Disaster Coordinator and the Geological Survey Water
Supply Paper 1850-B.
In 1965 Weld County, as a public entity, received $136,791 .56 from
0.E.P. These funds were distributed in six catagories as follows:
1 . Debris Removal 17%
2. Preventative Health and Sanitation Measures 2%
3. Emergency repairs and temporary replacement
of streets, roads, and bridges 32%
4. Emergency repairs and temporary replacement of
dikes, levees, and drainage facilities 20%
5. Emergency repairs and temporary replacement
of public buildings and related equipment 5%
6. Emergency repairs and temporary replacement of
public utilities 23%
It should be noted that the percentage figures used are based on state-
wide totals and may not necessarily reflect exact amounts in Weld County,
but these will serve for purposes of illustration.
Damage costs, as illustrated in 1350-B, which were adapted from Corps
of Engineers data, are more complete, as they encompass the total flood,
not merely the public entity. These figures are taken from the "Brighton
to Bijou Creek" totals, 78% of which lies in Weld County and only the 78%
will be used.
Urban property $ 19,500.00
Rural property 3,861 ,178.00
Transportation 5,250,960.00
1965 Total Damage $9, 131 ,638.00
The figures for 1969 are not nearly as complete since participating
branches of the Federal Government have just recently been given permission
to make flood loans to individuals. However, individual losses to land
and crops were estimated at $600,000.00 by a local agent of the Soil Con-
servation Service. For Weld County as a public entity, ditch companies and
towns in Weld County, a detailed summary of funds granted under PL875 tot-
aled $508,532.00, therefore the total damage for the 1969 flood is estimated. .
to be $1 ,108,532.00.
Equipment:
It is felt that the equipment necessary for a project of this size
as previously outlined, would cost far too much for the County to undertake
on its own. The initial equipment list and cost would be as follows:
4 - D9-G or equivalent $409,800.00
2 - 24 yard capacity Drag Lines 200,000.00
Total $609,800.00
The county's portion for the initial program is estimated to be
$15,530.00 per mile, or $1 ,242,400.00 for the entire eighty miles of the
Platte River which would take approximately four and one half years to
complete. The time will be extended by allowing at least one machine to
do follow up maintenance work. By the time the Platte River portion of
the project is completed at least one of the D9's and possibly both drag
lines would be on a yearly maintenance circuit and three of the 09"s would
start on the Cache La Poudre River and the other tributaries as time allowed.
The costs per mile to the County would then reduce to $6, 121 .00 per mile
for the approximately fifty-four miles of tributaries, or an estimated
total cost for the tributaries of $330,534,00. An additional one and one-
half years should be allowed for this portion of the project.
By the time this project has been completed and the maintenance pro-
gram is in full operation, two of the D9's and one of the drag lines will
have been overhauled. These costs have been included in the County figures.
If such work were let out on contract, costs would exceed $21 ,000. per
mile on the Platte River and $11 ,600. per mile on the tributaries. In view
of the urgency of the current situation and the estimated total of six
years to complete, contracts with several construction companies may be
the answer. If this method were to be undertaken, the necessary cost would
be $1 ,680,000. on the Platte River and $626,400. for its tributaries, for
a total of $2,306,400.
A divided program where part went on contract and the other done by
County forces would not be out of the question when the time element is
introduced. For example, the County could undertake the tributaries and
contract the South Platte River to others. Estimated costs for the Platte
River would be $1 ,680,000 (contract) , for the tributaries $330,534. (County) ,
with a total of $2,010,534. This would assume money for necessary equip-
ment, or the equipment itself, will have been provided by the federal govern-
ment. The time would then reduce to about two years as opposed to six.
The equipment porvided would then be available for maintenance at an earl-
ier date.
Comparisons:
I . County only - Completion time = 6 years.
Equipment cost (federal) _ $ 609,800.
County participation (Platte) = 1 ,242.400.
County participation (tributaries) = 330,534.
Maintenance costs (10 yrs.) = 442,800.
Total = $2,265.534.
2. Contract only - Completion time = l₹ years.
Platte River = 1 ,680,000.
Tributaries 626,400.
Equipment cost (federal ) = 609,800.
Maintenance costs (10 yrs.) = 442,800.
Total = $3,359,000.
3. Cooperative Venture: Completion time = 2 years.
Platte River (contract) _ $1 ,630,000.
Tributaries (County) = 330,534.
Equipment costs (federal) = 609,800.
Maintenance costs (10 yrs.) = 442,800.
Total = $3,063, 134.
Conclusion:
1 . The program, as outlined, is necessary and feasible.
2. Any method chosen would be financially sound and workable.
3. The plan would fit the outline of the Five County Flood Control
Commission and would serve until the Corps of Engineers pro-
posals are instituted.
21/
M ARo11ALL h 11 i�;,90- Ctin+R NAP y,r^
2412 8TH AVE., GRHELEY COLO. N L \y o�.`;-^^Iy$$y ---j
yyyp,� �'1 �" \R�iC7twr�4n .i)Gi J'
GLENN K. BILLINGS. CHAIRMAN PRO-ism `O ��,�_ ,�{
RT. 2, BOX IeJ, GREHLEY. COLD. ` 6'�`P�i p-7��\
HAROLD W. ANDERSON, MEMBER OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
HT. 1, JOHNSTOWN, COLO.
SAMUEL S. TELEP ��s��.�j �������,���))����{y+'��
COUNTY ATTORNEY P,./:FS�, :.�ylj�r'vj
ANN SPOMER, County CLERK
AND CLERK OF BOARD
PHONE 868-2111 EXT. 21 December 5, 1969
Mr. Peter H. Dominick
United States Senator
New Senate Building
Washington, D. C.
Attention: Mr. Phil Potter
Dear Mr. Potter:
Enclosed is a booklet entitled, " South Platte River and its
Tributaries, Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. Thank you for the use
of this booklet. •
Sincerely,
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
/ 4 -/.72°
Glen K. Billings, Commissioner
ka ' � Weld County District Number One
Sik'1FL C „x
1t n ' x 7 f v f Yt .�y f'pa3-.: 1k Y+ N I^J +.T It +f{` ltR4'4e'.,
' .4 v x
.,, I!.
Stilt,
I) l e e' 10
17;44°EIPT FOR CERTIFIED MAIL-30$ POSTMAR44p 14Rs-e { X7'1
/ /'/j��
tr 4 y t4 /D' ' / / OR DATER
ire r .R ./LiY!'1.//l//�
D NO.
R a R I ;1'TE,AND ZIP CODE
(,;, •
yep Y SERA S RVICES FO' ADDITIONAL FEES
F }. • Astum RI.eN A
1 x _ 1 # o Deliver to
;fi)d -- k -;1:07• whom dhows eG whom, Adtlreesee Onty
¢ ₹ � f1 date date,and ewhere
d
� Fit i r � tl t J:� $ I Y �� � 4,-;1:07 date delivered ❑ 500 fee7,7g4 04'1:. a " '' fee ❑ 3501 fee
n ZF �u 11 `+" n£ 3800 NO INS/URANCE IE COVERAGE
PROVIDED- (See other side)
HaerigPLi ¢1,: litiad,3la
�"1
RESOLUTION
RE: ESTABLISHMENT OF A FLOOD CONTROL COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Sedgwick County, Colo-
rado, is concerned in the control of floods in Sedgwick County and the
cleaning, improving and repairing of the river channel within Sedgwick
County, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Sedgwick County, Colorado,
is in agreement with the Joint Resolution adopted by the Counties of Adams,
Boulder, Larimer, Morgan and Weld in the establishment of a Flood Control
Commission, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Sedgwick County, Colorado,
believe that a regional Flood Control Commission should be established for all
counties concerned with the drainage of the South Platte River and its tribu-
taries; and that Sedgwick County should be included in the flood control area
and representation secured on the Flood Control Commission; that any region
including less than the South Platte drainage area would be only a partial
solution to the floods which have occurred periodically in all of the counties
of the South Platte River drainage area, and in particular have caused great
economic loss in Sedgwick County, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Sedgwick County, Colorado,
is willing to support the establishment of a Flood Control Commission in
which public efforts and funds of the counties shall become available and
justified, provided that Sedgwick County is included and represented in a
Flood Control Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the County of Sedgwick, Colorado, be included and represented
in a Flood Control Commission for the South Platte River and its tributaries.
2. That the basis and outline for the members, officers, committees,
meetings, recommendations and reports, duties and amendments, as proposed
and adopted by the Five County Flood Control Commission, is approved, with
the stipulation that Sedgwick County have representation on an enlarged
Flood Control Commission.
AYES:
Board of County Commissioners
Sedgwick County, Colorado
/ r1
A
si
'Qf the the Board
,/ 47- 1 9 9 C.
2
P
1O i FORMATION
ON
POTENTIAL PLAJ i
OF IMPROVEME ' iT
FOR
BIJOU CREEK
r - BASIN
COLORADO
, LII'J ii P) DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
[ III 1F if
„ ' U . S. Army Engineer District, Omaha
[ riff fi i CORPS OF ENGINEERS - OMAHA, NEBRASKA
eaz----===,--.4,—Q =o
1:41 ;mg :442ifi 22
�r t — %��
a \ \V .33ti3 3a, s'.‘1
/ Ql__ (
wo.\
el
g ES
HI
ill
W (f)
H
1- Q
i
7—... , 14 z
co
Q
— -
Q
I
U) --
Q 0
CC co
co
CO
w x a
Z m
W p O J N I
r `,_'rs% z Q s
N
1 d
N =
LLJ \
=
J_ Q is
p
'='
pCa O m
0
CD
O" (1 `/\I
J 1
Z WCg
` \
O o W=
Q i 0
W=
CC 0 I
‘..0 1:12 U
=z
O H
e
CO 03
PREFACE
This brochure summarizes the results of studies by the Corps
of Engineers of flood and related water resources problems of the
Bijou Creek basin. The studies were made in response to a resolution
adopted in 1956 by the Committee on Public Works of the United States
Senate.
Since its original settlement, the Bijou Creek basin has ex-
perienced numerous floods. Major floods occurred in 1878, 1935, 1951 ,
and 1965; less serious floods occurred in 1888, 1894, 1905, 1921 ,
1933, 1938, 1939, and 1957.
The Omaha District of the Corps of Engineers, working in
cooperation with other Federal , State, and local agencies, has
developed a potential plan of improvement which would reduce flood
damages in the Bijou Creek basin and along the South Platte River
between the mouth of Bijou Creek and North Platte, Nebraska. Essen-
tially, the plan consists of four dams and reservoirs which would be
located in the Bijou Creek basin.
The purpose of this brochure is to acquaint you with the poten-
tial plan of improvement.
NEEDS
� ,-_ _
,. - ,. a
_' sx ? T r . R i': •{Si, Y ra 8 6 a e-^.
t x
z 4 :..p J�
< ;. t a t .
k �
,.,. . - _ t . '.7.{ �it ^ # •^figg x i n �`Y,��� Z
d ->'tiY t gYxw
BIJOU CREEK JUST EAST OF WIGGINS, COLORADO, FLOOD OF JUNE 1965.
(BUREAU OF RECLAMATION PHOTO)
FLOOD CONTROL
Since 1878, Bijou Creek has experienced flooding at least 12 times.
The most serious flood occurred in 1965, when two lives were lost.
Flood damages within the basin totaled more than $13 million. This
same flood caused about $32 million in damages along the South Platte
River downstream from Bijou Creek. About 156,000 acres of land in
the Bijou Creek basin and 168,000 acres of land along the South Platte
River are subject to flooding from Bijou Creek flows.
Floods in the basin have also caused serious erosion and sedi-
mentation problems. Sediment deposits on flood plain lands have re-
duced the productive capacity of affected farmlands. Transportation
facilities also have sustained substantial flood damage.
GROUND WATER RECHARGE
Irrigation, using ground water resources, is important to the
economy of the Bijou Creek basin. The increasing use of ground water
for irrigation has, in recent years, severely taxed the aquifer.i 7-.e =R �d,�,.�- 'w 4. sttt
,rye 1 V. �� "p �X 1741
y '�^
#. `.CM
4T'4*Prainsti 'Aar
�S$yea. 7t[ It� 1P i
CI;
1 r•
µ t 44„.'
'�
IRRIGATING WITH GROUND WATER IN EASTERN COLORADO
PROJECT PLAN
The plan of improvement consists of the four potential dams and
reservoirs shown on the map in this brochure. Each dam and reservoir
would have a rolled-earth embankment and an earth-cut emergency spillway.
Reservoir releases would be made through gated, low-level outlets.
Agate Dam and Reservoir would be located on East Bijou Creek about
3 miles southwest of Agate. It would be about 100 feet high and
about 8,200 feet long. The reservoir would provide 42,100 acre-feet of
flood control storage and 9,200 acre-feet of sediment storage.
East Bijou Creek Dam and Reservoir would be located on East Bijou
Creek upstream from U. S. Highway 36. It would be about 105 feet high
and about 15,000 feet long. The reservoir would provide 108,000 acre-
feet of flood control storage and 20,000 acre-feet of sediment storage.
Facilities would be provided for overnight camping and picnicking.
Muddy Creek Dam and Reservoir would be located on Muddy Creek about
7 miles north of U. S. Highway 36. It would be about 85 feet high and
about 10',000 feet long. The reservoir would provide about 30,400 acre-
feet of flood control storage and about 6,600 acre-feet of sediment
storage.
West Bijou Creek Dam and Reservoir would be located on West Bijou
Creek about 5 miles south of Byers. It would be about 105 feet high and
about 9,000 feet long. The reservoir would provide 71 ,400 acre-feet of
flood control storage and 13,600 acre-feet of sediment storage.
The sediment storage zones of the reservoirs could provide up to
49,400 acre-feet of storage for ground water recharge. Construction of
the dams and reservoirs would require about 15,000 acres of land. The
estimated total cost of the four dams and reservoirs is about $50,000,000.
i^ s! ?
6 • -,4 iLL
Alia tk♦d,';'.j+ .,-
, O
VI
. ' ''M1
I -- 1'
O
V
*LL}A� i' W
W
I _
d 4k o ik Itl as
C
• t
Ns:\
f// j � `
�� `; w
,,.'4r""Rr
':,,,f,....,. ..,":".....7-f' ' ...::,;•. 4
E..a r r wt' ,,,t'
Z, ,. a .-L444°-'2 '•
441. ` 1 ♦: - ' i s .' ! " .Lf ..6t..
-;"1.41' -. .
Y Y'. :rig Y V~ '\ 7,.: - ,,4..f., 1 r a
PROJECT BENEFITS
FLOOD CONTROL
The plan of improvement would substantially reduce flood damages
in the Bijou Creek basin downstream from the dams. In combination
with the Bureau of Reclamation's proposed Narrows reservoir on the
South Platte River, the plan of improvement in the Bijou Creek basin
would also provide a significant reduction in the flood damages along
the South Platte River between the mouth of Bijou Creek and North
Platte, Nebraska. The sediment pools in the four reservoirs could
provide incidental storage for ground water recharge. Sediment inflow
would gradually diminish the potential ground water recharge storage
in the four reservoirs over the project's 100-year life.
s se
e- "tssesees,
$ ffi
wpbs, weep ••".„7 444,414's
� '
6 ' $x e .
0
9v 4u t;
ms's " p
_—
alto
+ . }
b g wa b':.. � 0
t 6
I �x „'
•
X6 :.",�xd# tf.� `f"art3x', + ' Y r4 . � ,4a� w nY, � .1 "i Y,
BRIDGE DAMAGE IN BIJOU CREEK BASIN, FLOOD OF JUNE 1965
RECREATION
The location of the potential East Bijou Creek Dam and Reservoir,
between two major highways, would provide an opportunity for development
of overnight camping and picnicking facilities. The remains of camp-
grounds of the Woodland Culture Indians of the period from A.D. 900
to A.D. 1300 are located in and near the reservoir site. Artifacts
removed from the site would be placed in a cultural pavilion near the
campgrounds to provide a unique educational display for travelers. It
is estimated that 300,000 tourists annually would use the camping and
picnicking facilities.
,
y *gypi `. r tr. F _+#...
,
Wk a.
w
`.
{ 4
yd &f F„...____.. / '. .
'Ti
a
- R a
71
.1.Sy�,
h •
t r d i1,•: 4 gC . ' N
..**4 Yy },ta �.:Y
RECREATION ACTIVITIES AT EAST BIJOU CREEK RESERVOIR
WOULD INCLUDE CAMPING AND PICNICKING
PROJECT FEASIBILITY
Studies indicate that the plan of improvement is technically
and economically sound. The benefits obtained from flood control ,
incidental ground water recharge, and camping and picnicking
facilities would outweigh the costs of construction, operation, and
maintenance of the project.
The plan of improvement set forth in this brochure would not be
a remedy for all of the water resource problems in the Bijou Creek
basin. It would, however, serve as a first step in solving these
problems. The plan would not preclude the possibility of solving
localized flood and erosion problems under authorities available
to the Corps of Engineers and other Federal agencies.
NON-FEDERAL COOPERATION
The project's flood control benefits are widespread. The dams
and reservoirs would, therefore, be constructed, operated, and main-
tained by the Federal Government. The development of camping and
picnicking facilities would be an integral part of the plan of improve-
ment. Sponsorship of recreational development by a non-Federal public
body is required by the Federal Water Projects Act of 1965. Under
the provisions of this Act, the Federal Government shares up to
50 percent of the cost of recreational facilities.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Corps of Engineers acknowledges, with thanks, the following
Federal , State, and local agencies for their cooperation during studies
of the Bijou Creek basin.
Federal
Geological Survey
Bureau of Mines
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife
Bureau of Reclamation
Soil Conservation Service
State
Colorado Department of Natural Resources
Local
Lower Kiowa-Bijou Management District
Lower South Platte Conservancy District
The Corps of Engineers also wishes to thank the other organizations
and individuals who assisted in making these studies.
Hello