The city of Boulder has announced that it plans to begin construction on its South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation project at CU Boulder South in about six weeks.

The 2021 annexation of CU Boulder South capped a yearslong collaboration between CU Boulder, the city and the community to bring flood protection for 2,300 downstream residents, housing for CU Boulder students, faculty and staff, and 119 acres of new permanently protected open space to the site. 

Completion of the flood protection project will pave the way for CU Boulder development of housing and other amenities, along with open space restoration.

During flood protection construction

• The city of Boulder will manage the site and lead communication and outreach efforts. 
• Construction is expected to take three to five years.
• The site will remain closed during construction to prioritize community and worker safety and to minimize impacts on open space. 
• The city’s South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation project website will be the best source of information.

CU Boulder site planning

The flood protection project must be completed before CU Boulder can begin developing housing on the site. CU Boulder site planning for the developable portion of the site has not yet begun. When it does, engaging students, faculty, staff and the community will be a priority.