Pueblog USa

Friday, May 13, 2005

Storm Warning

How to deal with REALLY ‘hard’ (rain) water.

Anybody remember the flood of ‘21? Probably not very many. And few of them care to use a computer. So, as we approach the century anniversary of the biggest flood anyone, living or dead, can remember in Pueblo, the fine people who get paid to ponder those sorts of things—hundred year floods—have been dutifully working at updating their information and plans for coping with a really hard rain. Possibly mixed with a very serious snow-melt.

Last Wednesday, they held an open house on what they’ve been doing todate. Someone told me about it, so I decided to stop by and see what was going on.

The study being conducted is to be accomplished in several parts; southwest Pueblo, focusing on Lake Minnequa and points to the south and west, Fountain Creek and another part, which escapes me at the moment. The southwest Pueblo/Lake Minnequa area is being worked at the moment. I do not know when they will be getting to the Fountain Creek part of the study. However, I am mighty interested in seeing that part, living where I do.

What I saw of the plans for Lake Minnequa was very nice. And the use of most of the lake for a nature area with paths and trails looked great. The plans for turning the southern end of the lake into a recreational complex were VERY nice. Looking at them I was reminded of several meetings of the Pueblo Neighborhood Partnership where Clark Davis was preaching the need to improve recreational opportunities for ourselves and our youngsters. This looked like a dream-come true for such efforts in the BAND area of operation. I would like to think that Clark et al would be all over this like bees on honey.

As with all projects, money is a key issue. And, according to reports, THERE IS NO MONEY for the recreational enhancements. Well….maybe that could change, if some of us were to guide the City Fathers and re-orient some other activities to focus on that area. Not to mention the possibility of using lottery monies, if we should be elegible for such, to help finance the plan.

We certainly don’t need to do it all at once, but we could start doing it.