City's storm water plan a decade in the making

The rumble of thunder, lighting flashing across the sky--what started as a beautiful day on the plains now has the potential of becoming a major storm. Rain begins to fall, followed shortly by chunks of hail. Roof drains, street gutters and surrounding hills are gushing with water. The torrent begins to surge to the center of town with such speeds and force that it could sweep adults off their feet. The 10th avenue viaduct is underwater and closed; Lodgepole Creek is full of water.

It's a scenario city engineers and elected officials consider often, one highlighted by clogged drains, flooded b...