0981C7258809EF02872582E200753523 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee came back to order.

Jeff Shoemaker, Greenway Foundation, introduced himself to the committee and provided the committee updates on projects sponsored by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Greenway Foundation.  Mr. Shoemaker distributed information regarding the Greenway Foundation [Attachment H].

Peter Baertlein, Denver Public Works, introduced himself to the committee and provided a background on the Southern Platte Valley River South Restoration Project and distributed information regarding the project [Attachment G].  Mr. Baertlein responded to questions from the committee on the Harvard Gulch section of the project.  Mr. Baertlein continued to discuss the timeline for the flood plane project, and Mr. Shoemaker clarified that funding will consist of a series of small scale federal funding schemes.  Mr. Baertlein continued to discuss the funding for the project and responded to questions from the committee.  Mr. Shoemaker responded to questions concerning the restoration of the fish habitat as a result of the South Platte recovery project.

David Bennetts, Denver Public Works, introduced himself to the committee.  Mr. Bennetts discussed the Sun Valley Riverfront Park and Johnson Habitat Park sections of the project. He also discussed Phase 2 of the project, which is focussed on north Denver, the Rino Promenade, Confluence Park, and River North Park.  Phase 2 is planned to be completed by 2020.

Jennifer Williams, Denver Public Works, introduced herself to the committee and discussed the in-stream restoration within the project.  The objective of the project is to develop a program to restore fish and wildlife habitat in certain parts of the South Platte River.  Currently, the project is in its final public comment period.

Mr. Shoemaker concluded the presentation and provided the committee with return on investment figures for the project.  He stated areas in the project have increased property value and increased revenue for the city and county.  The panel responded to questions from the committee regarding the background of the feasibility study.