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Grant Money Approved For Flood Ravaged Watersheds

Kent Kanouse
/
Flickr - Creative Commons

Nearly one year after Colorado’s devastating flood, the state has approved $2.29 million in grants to revitalize streams and rivers in Weld, Larimer, Boulder, and Jefferson counties.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board approved funding for 19 restoration projects focused on stream recovery following 2013's flood. The largest individual grant will go to Colorado Parks and Wildlife to restore the watershed of the Big Thompson River. Other beneficiaries include Boulder Mountain Parks and Open Space, the town of Estes Park and WildlandRestoration Volunteers.

In a public statement released on August 8, Gov. Hickenlooper said that repairing damaged streams and watersheds was vital to protect against potential floods in the future.

“Rehabilitating streams damaged by the flood is critical for many reasons; most notably so that we are prepared to endure any future surprises Mother Nature might throw our way,” said Hickenlooper.

Beyond reducing future flood risk, the grants will contribute to restoring wildlife habitat, agriculture areas and outdoor recreation.

The grant program was introduced by the State Senate and became law less than three months ago and authorizes payments to homeowners, local governments and private entities devoted to post-flood restoration.  

Boulder County received the brunt of flood damage in a survey conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with an estimated cost of $33 million.

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