Castle Pines approves flood control project between Lagae Road, I-25

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Most area residents may not notice it, but a small part of a body of water identi ed for its “deteriorating conditions” has long been a priority for local governments to address, and the Castle Pines City Council gave the green light for a project to make drainage and ood control improvements to the area.

On July 11, the council voted to move forward with the e ort to improve the “south fork” of the Spring Tributary between Lagae Road and Interstate 25, stretching not far from the highway.

Lagae Road runs roughly parallel to I-25 between Castle Pines Parkway on the north and Happy Canyon Road on the south. Lagae sits west of I-25. e city approved a deal called an “intergovernmental agreement” with the Mile High Flood District, an entity that helps manage ood risk in the Denver metro area.

A joint planning study between Douglas County, the Town of Parker and Mile High Flood District in 1994 designated the area of the south fork of Spring Tributary between Lagae Road and I-25 as “high priority stabilization status,” a city sta report says.

“ is status was due to deteriorating conditions — i.e., excessive bank erosion — that were negatively impacting downstream resources along the stream corridor,” the sta report says.

e report mentions the need to protect downstream resources such as the nearby Rueter-Hess Reservoir.

at’s a drinking-water storage facility owned and operated by the Parker Water and Sanitation District, the entity that provides drinking water to much of Parker and some nearby areas. Rueter-Hess also serves as a recreation spot.

Spring Tributary has seen signicant development of its immediate watershed — its nearby area — over the last several years.

“ is has brought about a signicant increase in ows, especially during storm events, which have contributed to the further degradation” of the part of the body of water in question, the sta report says. e report underlined the need to improve that area to protect downstream restoration projects, provide ood control improvements and add “environmental enhancement” to the site. e part of the stream is so critical because “it impacts not only the very near future project like North Canyons but all the work that Mile High has already done within the Canyons” area, an o cial said at the July 11 council meeting. at’s an apparent reference to e Canyons, a large housing development. e stretch of the stream in question sits entirely on city-owned property, so Mile High Flood District approached the city to undertake the improvements as a joint project, according to the report. e agreement would split the cost of the design for the project equally between the two parties. e anticipated cost of the design for the project is $100,000 with the city and Mile High Flood District sharing the cost equally — $50,000 each.

“Additionally, North Canyons Development Company is currently entering the same planning and design phase with (Mile High Flood District) for the (part) of Spring Tributary just downstream,” east of I-25, making the start of this city project timely, the report says.

“ is is a signi cant nancial incentive for the city, especially as the project moves forward,” the sta report says.

“If the nal cost of the design comes back higher, MHFD will cover the difference as they view this project as a high priority,” the report says.

While the title of the agreement covers the entire project, the current version presented for the council meeting covers just the design, according to the sta report.

“As the project moves forward, amended (intergovernmental agreements) will be presented to council regarding the other phases and funding of the project,” the report says.

Your Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is just around the corner

Looking for unique food options, starstudded country music and vintage cars all in the same place this summer?

Visit the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo from July 28 to Aug. 6. To purchase tickets and view the schedule, visit FairandRodeoFun.com

Questions about road projects in your area?

Roads are a necessity and they have to be maintained. Here’s where you’ll find everything you need to know about them all. Visit DouglasRoadWork.com to find out what’s going on in your neighborhood.

Strive To Thrive

Resource & Service Fair

Tuesday, July 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd. in Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Douglas County families who are struggling financially can receive backto-school items for the kids, a hot meal and access resources from more than 20 different organizations. Attendees in need of school supplies must preregister at https://tinyurl.com/4jafend For more information visit douglas.co.us and search for Strive to Thrive

Funds available to veterans

Emergency assistance is available for veterans struggling with housing (mortgage/rent), transportation, employment, healthcare or other emergency needs. To apply for the veteran assistance funds, visit douglasveterans.org or call 303-663-6200

Are you prepared for Wildfire?

It only takes one spark to change your life forever – make sure you are ready for wildfire season. Learn about steps you can take today to reduce the risk to your family and property by visiting douglas.co.us and searching Protect Your Home. And sign up for free emergency notifications at DouglasCountyCodered.com to ensure you are aware if a wildfire or other emergency is happening near you.

To join a program, a parent or guardian can submit an application based on the program the child wants to be in. From there, Leuven, or the program director, will speak with the parent or guardian.

With more than 30 adult mentors, each kid is paired with a mentor that best ts their needs. e mentors go through a background check and a certi cation process. e Aspen E ect helps mentor youth in Douglas County but is open to helping others. According to Leuven, they have mentored kids from Lone Tree teen court and the juvenile assessment center in Aurora.

“Leadership for us is knowing how to navigate my life, knowing how to advocate for myself, knowing how to connect with other people in real ways,” said Leuven.

Learn more about the Aspen E ect by visiting the website at https:// theaspene ect.org.