Stormwater
It makes the world green, that’s the power of STEP
What is STEP?
The Stormwater Transformation and Enhancement Program (STEP) will bring a new life and a renewed utility to the High Line Canal as a green infrastructure system that provides for stormwater quality management. The High Line Canal Conservancy is working with Denver Water, Mile High Flood District and local jurisdictions through STEP to advance stormwater solutions in the Canal for both existing and new conditions. The main goals of STEP are to:
- Plan for and implement stormwater projects in the Canal to capture the benefits as green stormwater infrastructure.
- Implement a collaborative management, maintenance, financial and operational model to advance stormwater projects in the Canal.
Benefits of STEP
Any drop of water that falls into adjacent watersheds naturally drains toward the Canal. In many areas, stormwater already enters the Canal, while in other areas, stormwater is diverted away from the Canal. Managing stormwater in the Canal can provide many benefits:
- WATER: Improves water quality, boosts water cycle support and upholds flood management
- ENVIRONMENT: Improves air quality, supports habitat and reduces the urban heat island effect
- COMMUNITY: Encourages healthy lifestyles, builds climate resilience and enhances user experience stewardship
STORMWATER PROJECTS UNDERWAY
The Conservancy is working with our partners in the Canal Collaborative to help the Canal find new life as a green stormwater management system with multi-tiered benefits for our region’s water, environment, and communities. So far, 12 miles of the Canal have been formalized for stormwater management, with projects in Mirabelle Metro District, Douglas County, Littleton, Centennial, Greenwood Village, and Denver.