Update: Local flood damage repair from 2013 continues

With a wet spring and more rain expected in southern Colorado this week, we’re checking on what flood damage in our area still needs repair.

Some of the damage from heavy rain in the fall of 2013 and the spring of 2015 awaits federal funding for projects.

“We’ve probably got a dozen or so projects that we’re looking at,” said R.C. Smith, recovery manager for El Paso County. “Many of them have a mitigation component to guard against future damage. But it takes time to get them done.”

Rainbow Falls park in Manitou Springs and the U.S. 24 eastbound exit ramp and bridge into Manitou Springs are examples of flood-damaged areas still being repaired.

Officials expect both projects to be finished later this year.

“When we reopen Rainbow Falls, it may be with tighter hours,” said Elaine Kleckner, parks and planning manager for El Paso County. “Right now, there’s unrestricted access and in order to curb some of the vandalism and problems we’ve had on site, we’re considering keeping it open only when there’s supervision.”

Helen Lamoureux of Colorado Springs said she’s hoping repairs are finished soon.

“It’s sad if you can’t go to a park because it’s no longer accessible,” she said. “The outdoors and nature are what Colorado is all about.”

Earlier this year, Fremont County finished repairs to Phantom Canyon Road — a section of Highway 67 connecting Caon City north to Teller County.

Teller County officials said they had only minor damage from flooding and have finished all related projects.

More information about projects in Fremont County and Colorado Springs was unavailable Tuesday.