Colorado Springs to hold open house on Templeton Gap levee project

The project aims to improve flood protection and meet new FEMA requirements for the aging levee.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:07am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, white, and blue, depicting a massive mountain range partially obscured by heavy fog. In the foreground, the faint outline of a small levee or dam structure can be seen, dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the natural environment.The planned Templeton Gap levee upgrades aim to bolster flood protection in the face of Colorado's dramatic natural landscapes.Colorado Springs Today

The City of Colorado Springs is hosting open houses for residents to learn more about a planned project to upgrade the Templeton Gap levee. The project is designed to improve flood protection along the Templeton Gap Floodway and address current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements, as the levee no longer meets updated standards. The open houses will allow locals to ask questions and provide feedback on the planned improvements.

Why it matters

The Templeton Gap levee was originally built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but the city is now responsible for maintaining it. Upgrading the levee is crucial to reducing flood risk to nearby homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the area. The open houses will give residents a chance to understand the project's purpose and timeline.

The details

The Templeton Gap Levee Project aims to improve long-term drainage and system reliability in the area by upgrading the levee to meet new FEMA flood map requirements. FEMA is producing updated flood maps for El Paso County, and the existing levee no longer meets the agency's current guidelines, which were updated in 2013.

  • The open houses are planned for April 15 and April 22, 2026.
  • FEMA updated its flood map standards in 2013, leading to the need for the Templeton Gap levee upgrades.

The players

City of Colorado Springs

The local government entity responsible for maintaining the Templeton Gap levee and overseeing the planned improvement project.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency that originally built the Templeton Gap levee, although the City of Colorado Springs is now responsible for its upkeep.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The federal agency that sets the standards for flood maps and levee requirements, which the Templeton Gap levee no longer meets.

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What’s next

City staff and project team members will be available at the open houses to share information about the project's purpose, timeline, and how it will improve flood protection and infrastructure in the area.

The takeaway

The open houses provide an important opportunity for Colorado Springs residents to learn about the planned Templeton Gap levee upgrades and give feedback on a project that is crucial for reducing flood risks in their community.