Riverdale City commended by Utah Senate for response to Davis‑Weber canal breach

The Utah State Senate on Feb. 17 issued a concurring commendation from the governor and legislature honoring Riverdale City and volunteers for their response to the July 11, 1999, Davis‑Weber canal breach.

Clerk Sandy read a joint commendation describing the breach and its aftermath: the document states that 63 acre‑feet of water and an estimated 350,000 cubic yards of mud inundated neighborhoods, damaged about 120 homes and produced property and economic losses estimated in excess of $120,000,000. The text commended the mobilization of local government, Hill Air Force Base, civic groups and more than 20,000 volunteers.

Mayor Ben Jones, representing Riverdale, showed a KSL video of the breach and told the Senate the canal was flowing about 250 cubic feet per second at the break and that “approximately 63 acre feet of water” moved through the community, carrying “about 350,000 cubic yards of mud and debris.” Jones described the volunteer and faith‑based response and said the rapid volunteer cleanup ultimately complicated some federal aid requests because initial damage assessments changed after volunteers cleared debris.

Jones urged legislators to support exercises for emergency preparedness and to provide resources to the State Engineer’s office to inspect and oversee canal safety. Senators in the chamber praised Riverdale’s city staff and residents for organizing volunteers and for the broad community response that helped residents return home quickly.

The commendation was presented in open session and included recognition of local officials and emergency personnel who appeared in the gallery.