Denver Council approves $217,216 increase for Valverde drainage study

Denver City Council approved a $217,216 increase for the Valverde Outfall System Plan on Oct. 26, raising the combined planning cap from $300,000 to $517,216. The bill record lists the measure as awaiting the mayor’s signature.

The bill was part of a block of measures on final consideration and do pass that passed with 11 ayes. City representatives said the plan studies drainage in the Valverde Basin and could affect Valverde, Barnum, Westwood, Ruby Hill and Athmar Park. Houston Lake is outside the study area because it is in the Sanderson Gulch Basin, city representatives said during the meeting. The discussion did not identify specific streets or portions of the named neighborhoods.

Under the approved second amendment, Denver’s maximum contribution rises to $417,216, while the Mile High Flood District’s contribution remains capped at $100,000. These are maximum contribution amounts, not reported payments or spending.

The plan will assess the existing stormwater system and street-level urban-flood risk, then identify potential solutions and future projects, according to Denver’s project description. The amendment says the added money will cover services beyond the original agreement but does not specify those services. The plan is for identifying potential projects, not funding construction.

The South Platte River Committee approved Council Bill 26-1455 by consent on Oct. 7, as recorded in its meeting minutes.