Agenda Date: 10/15/2024
Subject:
Title
Resolution 112-2024: Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Littleton and Mile High Flood District, regarding funding of Major Drainageway Planning for the High Line Canal Stormwater Transition and Management Plan
Body
From:
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager
Prepared by:
Sarah White, Water Resources Manager
Presentations:
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities
Sarah White, Water Resources Manager
PURPOSE:
Does council support an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Mile High Flood District (MHFD) regarding funding of Major Drainageway Planning for the High Line Canal (HLC) Stormwater Transition and Management Plan (STAMP)?
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Safe Community; High-Quality Governance; Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty
DISCUSSION:
Since 1883, the High Line Canal has been operated as an irrigation channel. Now over 140 years later, as the Denver metro region has developed from an agricultural area to an urban landscape, the function of the canal as an irrigation supply has diminished. The HLC and adjacent trail serve as a cherished open space and recreational resource in the metro area. The HLC is in a time of transition to a new life as a recreation and ecological resource. A unique opportunity now exists to use this asset for stormwater management.
Since 1924, the HLC has been owned and operated by Denver Water. In June 2024, Denver Water transferred 45 miles of the HLC ownership to Arapahoe County. The ownership transfer included a conservation easement to permanently protect the HLC as a natural open space.
To help direct this transition into a stormwater resource and advance discussions about future management of the Canal, the Canal Collaborative is developing the Stormwater Transition and Management Plan (STAMP). Led by MHFD, the STAMP will support local jurisdictions to make the previous studies operational. The STAMP will provide jurisdictiona...
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