Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Stormwater topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wheat Ridge adopts $51.5 million stormwater master plan; five regional projects prioritized
Summary
Council adopted the city's updated stormwater master plan identifying about $51.5 million in combined capital, repair and operations needs over 10 years and five priority regional projects totaling roughly $16 million of city contribution.
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — The Wheat Ridge City Council adopted an updated stormwater master plan that identifies five large priority projects, an estimated $16 million in city contributions for those regional projects and roughly $51.5 million in total program needs over the next decade for capital upgrades, repairs and ongoing operations.
Why it matters: Much of the city's storm sewer network dates from the 1940s–1970s and staff said many segments are approaching the end of useful life. The master plan updates hydraulic modeling and identifies projects intended to reduce flooding risk to private property and improve water quality.
What staff presented: Public Works Director Maria D'Andrea described the study process — updated GIS and aerial data, more than 600 subbasins modeled with Mile High Flood District design storms (5-, 25- and 100-year) — and five “mega” projects that together would enlarge key pipe segments and improve conveyance toward Clear Creek. Staff estimated the priority capital projects at approximately $16,026,400, system repairs at $16,600,000 over 10 years, and operations and personnel needs, bringing a 10-year program total to about $51.5 million.
Examples of projects: - 30 Second Avenue corridor (upsizing and connection through I-70 corridor toward Clear Creek). - Independence/Holland corridor improvements tying to regional drainage outfalls. - 40 Fourth Avenue corridor upgrades, including proposed increases from existing 36-inch pipe to up to 96-inch in sections where analyses show undersizing.
Coordination and funding: Staff emphasized the need to coordinate with the Mile High Flood District and CDOT (where city sewers connect to highway drainage) and recommended pursuing a stormwater utility fee and a rate analysis to support bonds or other financing. A consultant request for proposals for rate analysis is under way; staff expects recommendations later in the year for fee structure options.
Next steps: Staff recommended adoption (approved unanimously) and said they will continue televising, prioritizing proactive repairs (citing a recent Miller Street contract), update development standards to align with Mile High Flood District, and return to council with rate-analysis results and funding options.
Sources: Public Works Director Maria D'Andrea and stormwater master plan presentation to council on May 1.
