The funding needed to complete the Two Basin Drainage Project in Denver would come as a package deal with a $1.2 billion plan to overhaul I-70. Residents are concerned that they might be getting more than they bargained for.
The Two Basin Drainage Project would spend $173 million in building stormwater infrastructure for "repeatedly waterlogged" areas like Park Hill, Elyria-Swansea, and River North in northeast Denver. The city's plan would address the area's lack of sufficient storm sewers in two drainage basins that channel runoff to the South Platte River.
According to an article by Jon Murray, however, the funding for the Two Basin Drainage Project comes with a significant hitch: "Part of its funding is tied to the controversial Interstate 70 project," which would spend $1.2 billion to replace a 50-year-old viaduct between Colorado and Brighten boulevards with a widened, below grade stretch of freeway. Though the drainage project is supported by the community, the 1-70 project is far from a sure thing.
Murray covers more of the politics at play in the decision to link the two projects as well as more of the planning and design details behind the drainage project.
FULL STORY: Drainage project in I-70 deal aims to cut flooding in northeast Denver
I-70 Highway Update May Exacerbate Segregation
A piece in The Nation argues a Denver highway plan will further shrink the black community in that city through the use of eminent domain.
Denver's I-70 Expansion Undercuts Alternatives
To fund a wider I-70 on its route through Denver, the regional planning commission set aside $50 million in federal funds before considering other projects.
I-70 Expansion in Denver Still Facing Scrutiny
A planned expansion of Interstate 70 through Denver might have federal approval, but a growing coalition of local groups and state political leaders are pushing back on the idea.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time
A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.
Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth
Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.
Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas
Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions