Major flood control project nears completion in Manitou

Workers have circled May 15 as the date they expect to finish a $6 million project to control flooding and debris in Williams Canyon.

The canyon has been a concern since the Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012. Waldo’s burn scar several times has sent flash floods and debris flows from Williams, into homes and businesses in Manitou Springs.

Most of the project’s cost came from federal grants. The town contributed $500,000.

Mayor Marc Snider said the town will gradually complete more flood control work that is needed.

“We could easily spend another $10 million,” he said. “There’s Fountain Creek, of course, and a number of other drainages that need addressing. But we’re doing what we can. The Williams Canyon project definitely will help.”

Merchants and residents are mitigating their own properties against flooding, with everything from sandbags to concrete retaining walls.

“I’ve got sump pumps and tubing underneath my house to hold onto that water and then have it removed from beneath my house,” homeowner Lori Burris said. “I also filled in my basement.”

Burris said she likes the work being done in Williams Canyon.

“What happened before (with flooding) was a perfect storm,” she said. “I just can’t see it happening again.”

Snyder said next week, the town will begin providing sandbags to residents at City Hall.