About
Cottonwood Creek is a major waterway through Colorado Springs. The creek collects rainwater from the northeast side of town and transports the water west to Monument Creek. Cottonwood Creek is a sandy creek system and has experienced increased erosion over the years as the area developed. The creek has eroded in some areas over 10 feet deep, and some areas are currently sunken below the adjacent natural floodplains that help reduce erosion. The continued erosion threatens bridges and other infrastructure. The erosion also threatens critical utilities including gas, sewer, and electrical facilities along the creek. Erosion has led to a significant loss of vegetation and natural habitat along the corridor.
The threats to critical infrastructure and natural habitat have lead to the need to repair and restore this section of Cottonwood Creek. This project is also identified as needing to be completed in the 2016 Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Colorado Springs and Pueblo County concerning stormwater within the City of Colorado Springs.
Location
Cottonwood Creek at the intersection with Powers Blvd (just north of the Powers Blvd. and Woodmen Road Intersection) going west (downstream) about 4,000 feet behind the Academy School District 20 bus barn.
Purpose
Cottonwood Creek Phase 2 will restore the creek by reducing erosion and sediment in the creek, protect critical infrastructure, and meet stormwater infrastructure commitments. Ultimately the project will restore vegetation and the natural area habitat, creating a corridor welcoming to both wildlife and people.
Funding
$10 million in construction funding provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). A match was provided by the City of Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise (SWENT) and Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU)