April 2025
COUNCIL MESSAGE
When
You Need It, You Really Need It: Improving Holladay’s Storm Drain System
An effective storm drain system may not be your go-to topic of conversation, but when you need it, you are glad our storm water system is there! Over the past few years, Holladay has been focused on funding, planning for and upgrading our aging storm drains so that the water from spring snow-melt and August cloudbursts goes where it is supposed to without damaging public or private property or causing safety concerns.
BACKGROUND
Holladay’s storm drain system has developed in a fragmented manner, beginning well before we were even a city. Many sections were built independently, without any comprehensive master plan. This piecemeal approach has resulted in inefficiencies and vulnerabilities. For one thing, approximately half of the system relies on old, corrugated metal pipes. These pipes have a lifespan of about 30 years before they become susceptible to corrosion and eventual failure. In addition, as new roads were constructed through former Holladay farmland, developers were permitted to direct stormwater into existing irrigation ditches. Unfortunately, these ditches were never designed to handle such drainage loads, which increased flooding risks for private properties.
FUNDING
Recognizing the need for a more sustainable and resilient stormwater infrastructure, the city recently secured a $10 million bond to fund crucial storm
drain capital projects, rehabilitate existing storm drains, separate irrigation from stormwater flows, and implement other drainage improvements. For the past three years, city officials have worked diligently to ensure that these funds are used efficiently. Through extensive studies and collaboration with expert engineering consultants, the city has carefully planned projects and competitively bid out construction work to ensure the best value for taxpayers. During this time, the bond fund has also generated approximately $1 million in interest, allowing for additional storm drainage projects beyond the initial scope.
The storm system bond is repaid through a stormwater fee paid by city residents and businesses. To make the fee equitable, it is calculated based on the average amount of impervious surface area— such as concrete driveways and rooftops—on each lot within the city. Impervious surfaces prevent natural absorption of stormwater, leading to increased runoff into public roadways and the storm drain system. The stormwater fee ensures that funding remains available for ongoing maintenance and improvements.
PLANNING AND EXECUTION
The metal pipe storm drains in our city have sometimes been referred to as “old bones”. Excavating and replacing these pipes is a high-cost fix to the solution. Fortunately, modern technology has significantly advanced in the field of trenchless rehabilitation using a fiberglass or PVC liner. The city initially budgeted $2.5 million of the bond (Phase 1)for Storm Drain Lining. Phase 1 of the Storm Drain Lining Project is complete and provided very
Every year, BeReady Utah encourages residents of Utah to learn about, prepare for, and practice for earthquakes during the Great Utah ShakeOut, which takes place on April 17th.
It is estimated that there is a 57% probability of a 6.0 magnitude or greater earthquake occurring along the Wasatch Front in the next 50 years (WGUEP, 2016). In the immediate aftermath of a large earthquake, first responders will likely be overwhelmed with critical life safety response. Looking further out, residents may be without water, sewer, electricity, and other utilities for days, weeks, or even months. Our community needs to be ready to support each other during the sudden event and the long recovery that will follow.
There are many ways individuals, families, and businesses can become more prepared for an earthquake. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:
1. Secure your space through a home hazard hunt (beready.utah.gov)
2. Add a few items to an existing 96-hour kit, or start a small emergency kit
3.Put together a family emergency plan
4.Practice Drop, Cover, & Hold On!
5.Take a first aid or CPR course
Additional resources to help you prepare for disaster and learn about earthquakes in Utah can be found at the websites beready.utah.gov and shakeout.org/Utah.
Throughout April, we encourage our community to participate in this effort by evaluating their preparations, updating emergency plans, and connecting with neighbors.
satisfactory results, providing a promising sign of things to some. As city staff continued mapping the storm drain system and conducting video inspections, it has become clear that additional pipe lining efforts are necessary. Many existing pipes have been found to be in poor condition, and proactive maintenance is critical to preventing costly failures.
In response to what we have learned in Phase 1, city staff are requesting an additional $800,000 to continue the storm drain lining process. By investing in preventative measures now, Holladay can save significant costs in the long run while ensuring a more reliable stormwater management system for residents.
MOVING AHEAD
These ongoing efforts reflect the city’s commitment to improving infrastructure, reducing flooding risks, and using financial resources wisely. With careful planning and strategic investments, the city is laying the groundwork for a stormwater system that will serve the community effectively for years to come. Residents can look forward to continued enhancements that protect both public and private properties from the impacts of inadequate drainage.
As these projects move forward, we will provide regular updates to keep the public informed about progress and upcoming improvements. With the community’s support and understanding we will build together a stronger, more resilient stormwater infrastructure.
Thanks to Holladay Public Services Director Jared Bunch for his assistance with this article.
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
APRIL
Dark Skies for the Birds! Saturday, April 26: 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Learn how to help birds, especially when they are migrating, by turning down your lights. Experts from the Clark Planetarium will be here to teach us. We will also have crafts for kids and adults.
NEW! Additional Storytime on Mondays
Every Monday starting on April 7th at 10:15 am
Children and their adults enjoy an interactive story time. Afterward, stay for an engaging activity.
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS at Holladay Lions Recreation Center
It’s BASKETBALL every Thursday at Holladay Lions Recreation Center in April from 5:15 pm–6 pm for ages 6–12. Participants will focus on FUNdamentals! Registration is required: holladaylionsrec.activityreg.com. This program is free for all My County Rec pass holders, a pilot program from Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. Find out more about the FREE program for Salt Lake County residents ages 0–18: slco.to/pass.
Teens with the My County Rec Pass can sign up for the Teens ONLY After Hours Event, Friday, April 25, 8 pm–10 pm. They can use the pool, gym or play games! Registration is required.
