Having grown up in Houston, Texas, I saw firsthand the destruction that floodwaters can bring. These floods can cause extensive damage to homes, vehicles, businesses, and infrastructure, resulting in considerable financial losses and forcing residents to relocate. Flooding can lead to a wide range of health issues and complications, both immediate and long-term. Many of my friends and family have never completely recovered from the effects of these floods, which have had long-lasting repercussions. 

That being said, I’d like to share an update on a critical project that’s been keeping us busy – the Alamosa levee. 

As many of you know, our 6.4-mile levee system is what protects our homes and businesses from major flooding. It's a big deal, and it's officially certified by FEMA. Without that certification, many of us would be stuck with expensive flood insurance. 

But here's the thing: parts of the levee are getting old – almost 40 years old. That means we need to rebuild some of these sections to make sure they stay strong and keep us safe. The price tag for the work to recertify is a hefty $25.55 million. 

Obviously finding that kind of money isn't easy. In partnership with Alamosa County, we've been working hard to secure funding through different avenues, but it's been a challenge. We've tried federal grants, Congressional requests, and even explored which Federal agency would make the most sense to partner with. 

We've decided that working with the Army Corps of Engineers is the best way to go. They have a lot of experience with levees – they actually built most of our original system. We've asked the Army Corps to conduct a feasibility study, which will help us prove that the levee needs a major upgrade and hopefully qualify for federal funding. We have also applied for a special Congressional funding request to cover the cost of this study. Fingers crossed we get it! If everything goes smoothly, the Army Corps could agree to help rebuild the levee, which means the City and County would only have to pay 35% of the total cost instead of 100%. 

In the meantime, we're staying on top of things. The Army Corps recently inspected the levee and used drones to map the area. We've also been working with property owners along the levee to address any issues that could affect its certification.  

This is a big project and it's going to take time, but I want to assure you that we're committed to doing everything we can to protect our community from flooding. We'll keep you updated every step of the way. If you have any questions regarding this project, please feel free to contact our Development Services team at 719-589-6631. 

Alright, Alamosa, now on to another very important update! I'm thrilled to dive into the Mayor's Challenge! We're igniting support for our community’s Little Learners construction project with $50,000 available to match local donations! 

I'm passionate about our kids, and I hear from so many of you about the real challenges of finding quality childcare. It's a top priority for our community, and the Early Childhood Council's Employer Group has identified Little Learners as a crucial solution. 

Think about it: early childhood education is the foundation for a lifetime of success! It sparks curiosity, builds vital social skills, and nurtures creativity. It's an investment in our future superstars! 

The Little Learners Early Education Committee has already made incredible progress, raising over $7 million! However, we are still working to bridge that $3 million gap. That's where you, our amazing community, come in! I'm calling on everyone – residents, businesses, partners – to step up and join the Mayor's Challenge. 

Every single contribution, big or small, makes a real difference. It's a chance for us to rally together and show our kids just how much we care. Let's make this happen, Alamosa! Let's build a brighter future for our children, together!  

How to Participate: 

• Make a donation: Visit the campaign website at https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Eclc to donate securely online.
• Business partners: Local businesses are invited to participate by contributing and receiving public recognition through sponsorships and a “Partner Wall” on the BGCSLV website. 
• Community involvement: Attend fundraising events and spread the word on social media using the hashtag #MatchingMomentum.

The campaign will run for three months with regular updates provided through local media outlets, social media, and the BGCSLV website. 

Have a super-fantastic day and don’t let anyone steal your joy!