Cedar City, Utah, officials have been working on infrastructure and maintenance projects following a monsoon in 2021.
St. George News reported that July 2021 saw major flooding, impacting Cedar City and surrounding areas, resulting in a state of emergency. There was significant damage to both private and public property.
Ever since, Cedar City officials have been working with state and federal agencies and the city’s insurance company to explore funding opportunities to help cover costs for the unexpected damage, according to city officials.
St. George News reports that during the time of the flooding, the debris-filled flood water aggravated flooding in development areas, overwhelming and clogging local storm drain systems. However, it is noted by city officials that the event did bring much-needed moisture to the region’s dry soils, as there was less runoff from melting snowpack than in years past.
According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, 95% of Utah’s water comes from snowpack, reported St. George News.
Cedar City engineers worked to identify various locations and projects available for rapid improvements in preparation for the upcoming July/August monsoon season.
St. George News reported that the Street and Storm Drain Division completed projects this winter including:
- Cleaning Coal Creek from Main Street to the Airport until Iron County property;
- Cleaning from Woodbury Split to Lady Bug Nursery until Iron County property;
- Re-establishing a storm drain channel by Silver Silo Bakery;
- Cleaning basins on the east side of the city including Fiddlers Canyon, Stephen’s Canyon, Rainbow Canyon and Dry Canyon;
- Re-establishing a storm drain channel from Stadium Way Apartments to the Tag-N-Go carwash; And
- Vacuuming and cleaning over 100 catch basins, including numerous storm drainpipes cleaned and vacuumed out.
City officials encourage residents "to clear their property of excessive brush, overgrowth and debris to further mitigate any influx of water that may come as the result of a monsoon. Coming together as a neighborhood and community can help prepare the community for a multitude of scenarios."
Self-serve sandbags are available for residents while supplies last at the Cedar City Public Works building located at 716 N. Airport Road or at the Iron County Animal Shelter located at 3109 N. Iron Springs Road, Cedar City. To help pre-fill bags, call 435-586-2912.
