Cheyenne City Council Approves Clear Creek Stormwater Detention Facility Design Contract

The City Council of Cheyenne has taken a significant step towards addressing local flooding issues by approving a professional services agreement with GLM Design Group for the Clear Creek Inline Stormwater Detention Facility project. The contract, valued at $403,742.16, will be funded through a combination of a FEMA BRIC grant and the city’s optional 1% sales tax from 2023 to 2026.

This project, located adjacent to David Romero Park, aims to mitigate flooding in the neighborhood east of the park by implementing inline detention for Clear Creek and offline detention for Crow Creek. These improvements are expected to alleviate frequent flooding events, particularly at the Ames Underpass, which has been a recurring problem for residents.

The project will also contribute to environmental efforts by creating additional wetland habitat within Romero Park. A benefit-cost analysis will be conducted to secure further FEMA funding for construction, and the city’s floodplain maps will be updated to reflect these changes.

During the meeting, council members raised questions about the impact of the project on existing floodplain designations. While it is anticipated that the remapping will significantly update the outdated floodplain maps for Clear Creek, it is unlikely to alter the Crow Creek floodplain designation substantially.

The approval of this contract marks a proactive approach by the city to enhance flood management and improve community resilience against future flooding events. As the project progresses, residents can expect a reduction in flooding risks and an enhancement of local ecosystems.