Follow the Flood - We Remember 1997

Posted on: Jul-26-2017

Fort Collins Utilities is sponsoring two events to commemorate the 20^th anniversary of the 1997 Spring Creek Flood. The Remembrance Ceremony will take place Friday, July 28, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Creekside Park, 1817 S. College Ave.

City staff, emergency responders, community members and others personally touched by this tragedy will be gathering to honor and reflect on the significance of this anniversary. Local government officials will speak briefly, followed by a moment of silence, butterfly release and a musical performance. There will be opportunities to share stories and memories and reflect with those who shared similar experiences.

A family-friendly flood education event takes place Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Spring Park, 2100 Mathews St. Learn about flood safety, mitigation and emergency preparedness with hands-on kids activities, bike and walking tours, food trucks and more.

July 28 marks 20 years since Spring Creek flooded, causing Fort Collins’ worst natural disaster to date. Spring Creek flooded following 14.5 inches of rainfall in 31 hours. Five residents lost their lives, a building exploded, much of the CSU campus was flooded, a train derailed and 400 people were rescued from the floodwaters. Across the city, more than $200 million in damages were attributed to the storm. The impact would have been far worse if Fort Collins Utilities had not invested more than $5 million in stormwater improvements in the Spring Creek basin in the early 1990s.

For more information, visit https://www.fcgov.com/follow-the-flood , email utilities@fcgov.com , call 970-221-2900 or V/TDD 711.

• Ken Sampley, Water Systems Engineering Manager

• 970.224.6021
• a3NhbXBsZXlAZmNnb3YuY29t

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