Agenda Date: 06/02/2026
Subject:
Title
Resolution 37-2026: Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City of Englewood for the City Ditch Reach 2A project
Body
From:
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager
Prepared by:
Ryan Germeroth, Deputy Director of Public Works & Utilities
Presentations:
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities
Ryan Germeroth, Deputy Director of Public Works & Utilities
Sara Dusenberry, Senior Planner Community Development
Stephanie Ellis, Engineer III, City of Englewood
PURPOSE:
To approve the intergovernmental agreement needed between Littleton and Englewood for the City Ditch piping project in Reach 2A (from Saint Mary's to Ridge Road). In addition, final direction is needed on whether the flume in Lower Ridgewood Park should be kept in place or removed with the Englewood project.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Vibrant Community with a Rich Culture; High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
Brief History of City Ditch
City Ditch was one of the first irrigation canals in the state and runs water from the South Platte River to Denver. The 26-mile stretch was initially started in 1861, with the beginning of ditch more closely located to what is downtown Littleton. Due to the Civil War, construction was halted and restarted in 1864. The ditch was completed in 1867, with the start located nearly four miles upstream. Richard Little, founder of Littleton, was responsible for surveying the stretch of land to ensure the water flowed appropriately and noted the original location of the ditch would not be effective in moving water. Construction of the ditch and the ability to move water in a highly arid landscape was a catalyst for much of the development within the region. Richard Little utilized the abandoned ditch to channel water from the Platte, allowing for the construction of the Rough and Ready Mill.
Utilizing gravity to move water requires the use of flumes to move water across features like gulches or side streams...
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