From The Pueblo Chieftain (Chris Woodka):
The maps are crucial to some businesses or for future construction loans. If the maps are drawn according to FEMA’s initial figures, much of Downtown would be in a floodplain and property owners required to buy flood insurance. At issue is FEMA’s contention that a maximum flow of 21,000 cubic feet per second would come rushing down Wild Horse Dry Creek in a flood. The city’s hydrology shows the rate would be only about half of that and that levees built after the 1921 flood still protect Downtown. “We think we’re in a good position to challenge,” City Manager Jerry Pacheco said Thursday. “We’re concerned about what the maps will show.” City Stormwater Director Dennis Maroney, who led the city’s efforts to refine the hydrology, is retiring today, but will be hired as a consultant…
If FEMA rejects the city figures, the city could issue a technical challenge. The Colorado Water Conservation Board is scheduled to complete maps that analyze the hydraulics – structures within the floodplain – by June, setting up at least four months of technical and public comments.
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