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Pueblo officials say failing Bessemer Ditch lining is damaging city property, recommend outside counsel review
Summary
City staff showed council photos of seepage, sinkholes and flooded basements along the Bessemer Ditch and said the ditch company disputes responsibility for repairing the gunite lining. Staff recommended hiring outside counsel to assess remedies; council signaled support to pursue legal review and possible engagement letters.
On Jan. 6, 2025, Pueblo City staff told the Pueblo City Council that seepage and apparent failures in the lining of the Bessemer Ditch have damaged city property, the City Park golf course and at least one private basement, and staff recommended obtaining outside legal counsel to review remedies.
The report, delivered by Brian McCain of Parks and Recreation and summarized by a city staff attorney, said city crews documented sinkholes, saturated soil on the golf course and two inches of standing water in the Annex building basement at City Park. Council President Aleph called the situation “a debacle” and said the damage has made parts of the golf course unplayable and rendered some city facilities unsafe for staff.
City staff described a long history of federal funding and lining work on the ditch and quoted a federal enactment that, in staff’s reading, placed responsibility for…
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