A coalition of Summit County governments and fire departments expressed disappointment, if not hostility, toward Denver Water over Tuesday’s last-minute announcement to close Dillon Dam Road at midnight.
Denver Water issued a statement at 5 p.m. stressing there is no imminent threat but “the potential for catastrophic consequences downstream” was too great to leave the road open. Since the Sept. 11., 2001, terrorist attacks, the utility has spent more than $10 million to beef up security.
“Having exhausted other options and still being uncomfortable with the level of risk, we consider road closure the action necessary to best protect the residents of Summit County, as well as the water supply,” Denver Water board member Penfield Tate said in a statement.
The closure blocks one of just three roads that cross the county, said Summit County Commissioner Thomas Davidson.
Seven local agencies — including the Summit County Commission and the towns of Frisco, Silverthorne and Dillon — issued a joint statement Tuesday night saying they might sue Denver Water.
The Denver Water board made the decision on July 2 but held off announcing it until Tuesday. Local governments and emergency responders were offered no role in the decision, said Brandon Williams, a spokesman for Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue.
State Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, was dismayed by Denver Water’s handling of the closure.
“If there’s a real, credible threat, I want to know about it,” he said. “But most importantly, local law enforcement need to know about it.”
Denver Water said rescue vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists would still be allowed to cross.
“Obviously this is not our preferred mode of communication or cooperation,” Denver Water spokeswoman Stacy Chesney said in response to the backlash. “But the board felt it was necessary to minimize the vulnerability between the time the decision was made and the closure.”
Sara Rosaglio, the night manager at Dillon Dam Brewery, four blocks away, wasn’t happy to hear of the midnight closure.
“Aw, bummer,” she said. “I use that road all the time. “
