Waterway Resiliency Program

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In an unprecedented alignment of preparation, political will, funding, and local and federal partnerships, Denver has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape our waterways. The Waterway Resiliency Program will enhance natural ecosystems and reduce flood risk, creating places where people and nature can thrive in harmony. 

Program Goals

The Waterway Resiliency Program will leverage regional partnerships to deliver Denver’s One Water Vision for the South Platte River, Weir Gulch, and Harvard Gulch by restoring habitat, providing flood protection, and creating more inviting spaces for plants, wildlife and people. The program will directly benefit some of Denver’s most under-resourced neighborhoods and advance Denver’s goals for enhanced mobility and equity. The program will also: 

  • restore a 6.5-mile portion of the South Platte River between 6th and 58th Avenues
  • reduce flood risks along the South Platte River, Weir Gulch and East Harvard Gulch tributaries
  • restore and reconnect important river habitats and provide flood protection for homes and structures near the waterways 

The City and County of Denver, along with our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers, Mile High Flood District, and the Greenway Foundation are developing implementation plans for this work.

map of central Denver highlighting Weir Gulch to the west, Harvard Gulch to the south, and the South Platte River north to the city boundary

History and Information

Project Background

A Feasibility Study began in May 2014 with the final Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released in April 2019. Read the Report

On July 29, 2019, Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commanding Generals and 54th U.S. Army Chief of Engineers signed the recommendation plan (called the Chief's Report) to move the project forward and allow it to be eligible for Congressional authorization and appropriation.

USACE Press Release
SPRT Chief Engineers Report

The study is sponsored by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mile High Flood District (MHFD), City and County of Denver (CCD) and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed three public meetings in summer 2018 to present and receive comment on their recommendations for the South Platte River, Harvard Gulch and Weir Gulch. The public comment period was open through August 28, 2018.

South Platte River Partners

As part of President Joe Biden’s monumental Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and in partnership with the US. Army Corp of Engineers, this project is committed to nurturing collaborative alliances both locally and regionally. Denver eagerly anticipates the next chapter of our journey and welcomes partnerships that continue to elevate this project and create a lasting impact on our shared values.

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Industry Information

The City will provide updates the last Friday of every month regarding industry opportunities for this project.  The last update was completed September 21, 2023.

Staff Augmentation/Owner’s Advisor: The City and County of Denver has released our RFQ for staff augmentation/owner's advisor for the Waterway Resiliency (WATR) Program. The RFQ was released through BidNet and notified on Work4Denver and the Daily Journal September 21, 2023. If you did not receive the notice and would like to receive future procurement information from the team, please sign up below.

Alternative Delivery: The City is continuing to evaluate the best delivery methods for the program and expects to provide more information on delivery pathways in fall 2023. We intend to plan time between Staff Augmentation/Owner's Advisor selection and the release of the RFQ/P for alternative delivery.

Resources

Contact Information: For inquiries or questions about procurement opportunities related to this project, please contact Cindy Ackerman at DOTI.Procurement@denvergov.org.

Industry Email List Sign Up

Project Update

In May 2023, representatives from the City and County of Denver, Adams County, the State of Colorado, and U.S. government gathered to celebrate and sign a historic intergovernmental agreement that will result in a multi-million-dollar investment in some of the city’s most vulnerable and under-resourced neighborhoods.

Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Project Partnership Agreement(PDF, 4MB)

Contact

Click here to view form.

Your information will be shared only with the WATR or Waterway Resiliency project team.  For questions, email waterwayresiliency@denvergov.org.

For industry updates and questions, please see the Industry Information section of this page.

News Releases

City Council Approves Historic Agreement on Waterway Restoration — April 24, 2023

USACE Omaha district to partner with city of Denver on $350M waterway restoration, flood mitigation project — April 1, 2022

Hickenlooper, Bennet, Hancock Announce $350 Million for South Platte — March 30, 2022

Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Additional Infrastructure Funding for Ports and Waterways — March 29, 2022

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