During a routine inspection of the Little Colorado Levee on June 13, Holbrook’s Facilities Manager and Levee Superintendent Tim Kelley found that one of the flap gates on the main levee had been destroyed by a person or persons slamming large rocks against the heavy metal flap breaking the mounting arms.
“I had to have new mounting arms created because we were unable to weld the broken ones back on,” said Kelley. The arms will not be ready until early next week, but Kelley is ready to sand bag the area should the area get rain before it is fixed.
This isn’t the first incident that has occurred on the levee. There have been ongoing issues with fences being cut and motorized vehicles on the levee that could cause erosion. The destruction to the levee is a federal offense, which carries a greater price for the criminals as the levee is under the federal jurisdiction of the United States Army Corp of Engineers. The crime was reported to the Holbrook Police Department, and Kelley is hopeful the vandals will be caught.
While Kelley said he continues to encourage people to enjoy the walking path on the levee, it is critical that people stop the vandalism. “Had I not done the inspection, and the rains had come, water would be in the town because of this broken flap, putting homes and businesses at risk,” noted Kelley.
In addition to the broken flap, Kelley said that there have been a number of loose cattle on the levee. “It would be appreciated if the ranchers would keep their cattle off the levee as it is destructive.” If anyone should see damage taking place on the levee, please contact the city offices at (928) 524-6225.
