As part of a program that began in 1993 to assure the highest quality drinking water, the City of Grand Junction Water Services Division will begin spring hydrant flushing on Monday, April 23. The complete process will take approximately three weeks.

There are 970 fire hydrants and 150 miles of pipe in the City of Grand Junction’s service area. This program will flush 50% of those fire hydrants. Ron Key, Water Distribution Supervisor states, “The total amount of water used in the flushing program equates to about one half of an average day’s consumption during the month of May.”

Other than maintaining water quality, reasons for flushing the water system include:

• Increased chlorine residuals to the extremities of the water system
• Eliminate taste and odors
• Remove discolored water
• Maintain the life of the water mains
• Check fire flows and exercise fire hydrants

Some of the noticeable effects of flushing may be discolored water, low water pressure and noticeable water in the streets and gutters. These conditions should only be for short periods of time. If discolored water is noticed coming from your faucet the water should be allowed to run for several minutes to clear the service line.

During this process, the Water Division will make every effort to cause the least amount of disruption to water service possible. This program is just one way the Division seeks to provide a high level of customer service while continuing to provide water of the highest quality.

If you have any questions regarding the flushing program, please call Ron Key, Water Distribution Supervisor, at 970-244-1572.

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Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager   970-260-5431 or samr@gjcity.org

City of Grand Junction Projects with Travel Restrictions

City Annual Fire Hydrant Flushing Program

• Crews will begin flushing hydrants on Orchard Mesa April 24 working north towards Patterson Road
• Please drive with caution in areas where crews are working
• Minor street flooding may occur
• Anticipated completion – early May.

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Non-City of Grand Junction Projects with Travel Restrictions

Broadway and Redlands Parkway, Roundabout Construction – CDOT Project

• All directions of traffic will use the temporary roundabout configuration
• Traffic will be directed by use of barrels, signage and possibly flaggers
• Expect traffic stops with minimal delays
• There is an 9 foot width restriction 24/7 for the duration of project (no semi-trailers allowed)
• Be aware of the 35 MPH speed limit
• For additional information please visit codot.gov, www.cotrip.org or call 511
• Anticipated completion – November.

Rim Rock Drive (east hill closure for resurfacing) – Colorado National Monument Project

• Rim Rock Drive from Devils Kitchen Trailhead (near the east entrance) up to DS Road (Glade Park Road) is closed
• Use Little Park Road – this detour route will be well marked
• DS Road (Glade Park Road) will also be resurfaced. Pilot cars will escort motorists through the construction
• Phase 2 anticipated completion – early May (project has been extended by 11 days due to unforeseen circumstances)
• For additional information please visit http://www.nps.gov/colm  or call 970-858-3617, ext. 360.

I-70 Exit 49 Grand Mesa Ramp Improvement Project – CDOT Project

• Westbound I-70 right lane closure and 14’ width restriction 24/7 between MP 49.5 & MP 48
• Eastbound I-70: right lane closure and 14’ width restriction 24/7 between MP 48 & MP 49.5
• Motorists will still have access to Exit 49
• Westbound I-70 Exit 49 on ramp will have a 14’ width restriction 24/7
• Westbound Exit 49 on ramp please yield before merging onto I-70
• Westbound speed limit is 35 MPH
• Eastbound speed limit is 50 MPH
• Work hours will be 7am – 5pm, Monday – Friday
• Anticipated completion – late September
• For more information or to be added to the project update list call 970-456-1481 or email grandmesaexit49@gmail.com.
  

I-70 Bridge Maintenance Project Near DeBeque  – CDOT Project

• Both west and eastbound I-70 traffic will be moved to two-way traffic in the eastbound lanes of I-70, 24/7.
• Speed limit will be reduced to 45 MPH through the work zone
• Work hours will be 7am – 5pm, Monday – Friday
• Anticipated completion – October
• For more information, please visit http://www.cdot.gov/projects/i70-overflow-near-debeque.

21 ½ Road Utility Work between H Road and I Road – Private Development Project

• 21 ½ Road will be closed to thru traffic 24/7 between H Road and I Road
• Use 22 Road as the detour route
• All business and resident access will be maintained
• Anticipated completion – early May.

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Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager   970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org

A public survey launching this week marks the next step in the public input process to determine the location, amenities, and feasibility of a new Community Center in Grand Junction. A randomly selected sample of Grand Junction residents received postcards inviting participation in a quantitative survey using an assigned password. Those selected are asked to complete the 10-minute survey about the site location, amenities, community programming, and funding options for a potential new Community Center.

“It is really important that each household that received a postcard please participate in the survey,” said Kimberly Langston, a volunteer with People for Local Activities and Community Enrichment (PLACE). PLACE, in partnership with the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department, is currently sponsoring a feasibility study to assess the community’s needs and wants in the development of a potential Community Center. “Every voice in our community is so valuable to help us understand the pulse of Grand Junction as we finalize our research and prepare to make recommendations to City Council this summer.”

The quantitative survey is only open for a limited time, so anyone who received a postcard is encouraged to complete the survey as soon as possible. A general community survey will also be available to test the same concepts but allow all interested citizens to participate. This survey can be found at gjsurvey.org/2018.

Media Contacts:
Parks and Recreation – Traci Wieland, 970-254-3846, traciw@gjcity.org
PLACE – Kimberly Langston, 303-916-9539, klangstonpr@gmail.com

Gear up and get ready! Grand Junction Parks and Recreation is hosting the 17^th Annual Southwest Arbor Fest sponsored by Bellco Credit Union this Saturday, April 21^st at Lincoln Park. From 12pm – 5pm, this family friendly event brings together elements of Arbor Day including tree giveaways and arborists, a Mac and Cheese tasting, Colorado Craft Brew Fest, kids’ activities, vendors, a great live local music lineup, and more!

The event is free to attend and festivalgoers can pre-purchase a Colorado Craft Brew Fest ticket by April 20^th for $20 or pay $25 at the gate. The Mac and Cheese Throwdown will begin at 12pm and will go until all competitors run out of product. Tasting tickets will be $5 the day of the event. Tickets come with a 2oz try of every vendor’s product and the ability to vote for People’s Choice Awards.

Bellco Credit Union will be sponsoring the first $300 worth of gelato for kids for FREE as part of #bellcogivesback.

For more information on Southwest Arbor Fest, visit bit.ly/swaf18 or call the Parks and Recreation office at 970-254-3866.

For all media inquiries:
Emily Krause, Recreation Supervisor – 970-254-3875, emilyk@gjcity.org
Lorie Gregor, Recreation Coordinator – 970-254-3876, lorieg@gicity.org

Last night, the City of Grand Junction honored and thanked its 125 board and commission members with a dinner celebration at Two Rivers Convention Center.

The City is represented by 19 boards and commissions whose members donate immeasurable amounts of time, effort and leadership toward the City’s mission.

Special recognition was provided by City Council for eight board and commission members whose terms ended in 2017 after having reached term limitation. Those individuals include:

Frank Watt, Riverfront Commission
Ebe Eslami, Planning Commission
Brad Taylor, Riverfront Commission
Shirley Nilsen, Forestry Board
Clifton Sprinkle, Riverfront Commission
Jon Schler, Historic Preservation Board
Lancer Livermont, Commission on Arts & Culture
Scott McBrayer, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Each of these individuals served for between five and nine years.

A photo album of the evening can be viewed at this link.

For more information on City boards and commissions, visit http://www.gjcity.org/city-government/city-clerk/volunteer-boards-and-commissions/.

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Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager       970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org 

Once again, winds have closed the Mesa County Landfill and today’s Spring Clean-Up collection will not be possible. Spring Clean-Up crews will resume their routes tomorrow. City trash collection routes should be able to be completed today. In the event crews are unable to complete all trash collection routes today, they will be completed tomorrow.

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Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager       970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org 

Some City of Grand Junction customers may not have their trash collected today because the Mesa County Landfill has been closed again due to wind. City crews will proceed through their regular Monday routes until their trucks are full. Any trash not collected today will be collected tomorrow.

Spring Clean-Up routes have also been stopped as a result of the closure. Crews will pick back up tomorrow where they ended today.

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Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager       970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org