FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Flooding issues and government shutdown questions dominated the community information exchange, Sept. 26. Col. David Grosso, Fort Carson garrison commander, and garrison directors addressed the community at the first open exchange. In the past, the meetings were by invitation only.
After more than a foot of rain fell on the installation Sept. 12-13, there was extensive flooding.
"Our systems on the installation worked pretty well," said Hal Alguire, director of Public Works. "There are a few isolated areas where we'll continue to work on the water flow."
Floodwaters drained into Iron Horse Park, creating a temporary lake.
"That's by design," he said. "It's the reason why (elevation) is lower in the Iron Horse Park area and why some of our major drainage goes through there. We retain water in the park so that it doesn't cause more problems down from the park."
In addition to the flooding in the cantonment area, there was flooding in the training areas on the southern end of Fort Carson.
Roads and tank trails sustained damage.
"All roads are passable right now. Passable, not in ideal condition," said Dan Benford, director of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.
During the storm, three people went fishing near Butts Army Airfield, he said. They tried to drive across a road, not realizing the road had been undercut by the water. Their vehicle was caught in the flood and jammed under a bridge. They were all able to exit safely.
"They were very, very lucky," Benford said. "It only takes a few inches (of rain) to take a vehicle from the road. If you plan on recreating downrange, please be aware that there are significant damages to our roads."
Benford said flash flooding will continue to be a problem for the next five to 10 years because of the burn scars.
Grosso addressed government shutdown questions.
"I have told the garrison to begin planning to maintain the following level of needs: shelter; food; electricity; sewer; water; heat; security, (to include) gates and mounted patrols inside the installation; safety, (to include) fire departments; child and youth services because we still have single Soldiers, single parents that have to go to work and prepare to deploy; and those functions that pertain directly to Soldiers that are either deployed overseas to combat operations or returning from combat operations," he said.
Security on Fort Carson is a priority, though.
"Even if we have the shutdown starting on Oct. 1, our installation is and will continue to be secure," said Carl McPherson, director of Emergency Services.
He also reminded Fort Carson community members of the impact of Amendment 64, the legalization of marijuana.
"State law does not affect what we do on the installation," McPherson said. "We're federal jurisdiction."
Both servicemembers and civilians possessing marijuana on Fort Carson can be arrested.
Other topics addressed during the meeting include upcoming events, flu vaccine clinics, Make a Difference Day and the opening of a Spirit Halloween store at the old Class Six building.
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