City details flooding and property damage linked to Bessemer Ditch, plans legal review

Pueblo City officials on Jan. 6 presented photographs and legal analysis showing prolonged seepage and structural deterioration along the Bessemer Ditch that city staff say has damaged City Park facilities, parts of the municipal golf course and at least one private basement.

The presentation, led by Brian McCain of Parks and Recreation and by city legal staff, described sinkholes and standing water on city property and said employees were removed from a city park annex after mold and standing water were observed. City attorneys reported the ditch company disputes financial or repair responsibility for the lined portions of the ditch.

McCain displayed photos taken over the summer showing brown, saturated ground and holes under the golf course surface; he said there were multiple sinkholes large enough to present safety concerns. He also described two sump pumps installed in the annex building basement and said staff had relocated employees because the area developed mold and was not safe to occupy.

City Attorney Jagger (identified in the meeting as the city's legal presenter) summarized the legal landscape, saying the ditch company has told the city it does not acknowledge an obligation to maintain or replace the gunite lining installed decades ago.…