Grand Junction has launched an ambitious flood mitigation plan to tackle ongoing flooding concerns in the Rosevale area. The city, backed by a $1.2 million federal grant, hopes to address the pressing issue that has plagued residents for years.
Flooding in Rosevale has reached critical levels, with many homes suffering substantial damage year after year. The city’s new plan aims to reduce these risks by implementing strategic solutions designed to protect homes and infrastructure. At a recent public meeting, city officials met with local property owners to present the new flood mitigation design and gather input from the community.
Tackling the Issue Head-On: The Design Plans
The primary focus of the new flood mitigation plan revolves around two detention ponds and improvements to Rosevale Road itself. The city will construct one high-hazard pond and a smaller detention pond off Bang’s Canyon, which will help control excess water flow during heavy rainfalls.
- Detention Ponds: The larger high-hazard pond is intended to handle the brunt of stormwater, while the smaller pond will address more localized flooding in the area.
- Rosevale Road Improvements: Plans include improving Rosevale Road’s drainage system to ensure that water doesn’t accumulate and overwhelm the surrounding area.
The city’s efforts are aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of flooding while also providing relief to residents struggling with flood-related expenses.
Rising Costs of Flooding: Financial Relief in Sight
For many Rosevale residents, the financial strain caused by flooding is immense. Property owners like Beckie Diehl spoke at the meeting about the heavy financial burden of flood insurance, which is often hard to come by and expensive. With insurance companies offering limited options, many residents are left to fend for themselves.
“Flood insurance is very high, and I was hoping coming here that they might decrease the price of flood insurance,” Diehl said. “Flood insurance is hard to get, you have to really hunt for it, and most insurance companies don’t even offer it.”
With the new flood mitigation plan in place, city engineers believe the improvements will significantly reduce flood risks and potentially lower flood insurance premiums for residents. This financial relief could be a game-changer for many property owners in the Rosevale area.
The Road Ahead: Funding and Project Timeline
While the design phase is already underway, the city acknowledges that more funding will be needed to move forward with the construction phase. The goal is to complete the design by August 2025, but the actual building of the flood mitigation infrastructure will depend on securing additional resources.
In the meantime, city officials are working hard to keep the public informed and involved in the process. The hope is that once completed, the flood mitigation project will not only protect homes but also help stabilize property values and improve the quality of life for everyone in Rosevale.
