Reservoir project was aimed at local flooding

Unique cooperation resulting in Cedar Creek Watershed is one of the most beneficial projects undertaken and completed for Columbia Falls and surrounding area. I am obviously prejudiced as it prevents annual basement flooding in my house.

Project was sponsored by City of Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Flathead Conservation District, with assistance from Flathead Soil Conservation District, Flathead National Forest and Farmers Home Administration.

Objectives were to provide flood protection for Columbia Falls and provide 400 acre-feet of water storage for future municipal and industrial use to assure continued economic growth of Columbia Falls. Watershed contains 17,813 acres (27.83 square miles).

Brochure provided at the Oct. 11, 1972, dedication named other cooperative agencies and organizations providing assistance were Montana Department of Health, Montana Fish and Game Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Anaconda Aluminum Co., Burlington Northern and Flathead County news media.

County Commissioner Bill Knapton and Lewis Fuller, district conservationist, spearheaded the project. Columbia Falls Mayors Lloyd Aldrich and Roger Elliott supported Cedar Creek Reservoir Project.

Approximate structural costs showed PL-566 funds (federal) total of $626,000 for reservoir, diversion channel, land rights and installation services and revegetation. Local funds amounted to $177,000.

Revenue bonds were approved by Columbia Falls citizens in June 1968 and May 1969 for the project. These were paid through water, not taxes.

Areas affected by Cedar Creek flooding included School District No. 6 with flooded high school track, Pinewood Park surrounded by water, Plum Creek property, county road (now Fourth Avenue West North), flooded basements in that area, and water filled basements in homes on south end of Second Avenue West.

The creek goes underground by the railroad tracks north of Columbia Falls and flows underground until reaching the southern edge of town. Basement water depths ranged from one to three feet in homes with basements located in 1100 and 1200 blocks of Second Avenue West. Area between Nucleus Avenue and Third Avenue West on the southern edge of Columbia Falls had water every spring.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.