Update 8-7-23 5:30 PM
Draper City would like to provide an update regarding what we have been doing following Thursday’s severe storm incident and related damage.
Public Safety Response and Public Infrastructure Damage Assessment
As the storm was occurring and immediately following, our police and fire personnel assisted residents in need. Police officers closed roads that were unsafe for travel, helped redirect traffic, and assisted our public works crews to identify and provide access to damaged infrastructure in need of urgent attention. Fire personnel replaced manhole covers that had blown off and rescued drivers who were stuck in flood waters. Salt Lake County sent additional public works support to help clear debris from roads and storm drains. Our public infrastructure, including roads, storm drains, parks, and trails suffered extensive damage. Our public works department is working on getting additional street sweepers with the generous help of neighboring cities to clear remaining debris from roads.
Stability of Structures and Private Property Damage
Our Building Official and inspectors have responded to residents who had concerns about the stability of their homes and conducted inspections. Engineers contracted by the City have also conducted inspections. At this point, no structural damage has been found on private property. The area where homes slid in the spring has been inspected and is currently stable. This area will continue to be monitored. Anyone who has concerns about the structural integrity of their home may contact our building office to request an inspection.
Property Damage Reporting
We are very sorry to hear that many residents experienced property damage from the storm. As we previously announced, Draper City’s Emergency Management personnel are collecting data to submit to the county and state as a first step to determining eligibility for emergency funding. We ask all residents and businesses who have property damage to complete this form. This data is critical for the City to receive support for public infrastructure repairs. After collecting this data and submitting it to the county, state, and federal government, if the City meets the eligibility requirements for funding, the funding must first be applied to public infrastructure repairs. After those repairs are completed, if any monies remain, a fund will be established and a process set up for residents and businesses who qualify due to damages to apply for aid. Details on that process will be shared if and when that stage occurs. Please be aware that this process will take months. We remind residents not to expect compensation and not to wait to proceed with reporting to their homeowner’s insurance and completing necessary repairs. We will follow up throughout this process as we have new information.
Claims
In order to file a claim for damages against Draper City, there must be an indication that City infrastructure failed for reasons other than storm-related damage to the infrastructure. Acts of nature are not the responsibility of the City. Those who believe their circumstances fit that criteria may file a claim form.
Thank You
Recovery from this atypical storm event will take time. We have been uplifted by the efforts of neighbors reaching out and helping one another and hope that everyone will continue to lend a hand where they can. Draper is a wonderful community.
On August 3, Draper City was hit with heavy rainfall that resulted in flooding. Due to flooded roads, Draper City Police advised avoiding Highland Drive, Bangerter Pkwy, and Minuteman Dr. As rainfall increased, these roads were shut down: Highland Dr at 1300 East, Roundabout at Rambling Rd and Mike Weir Dr, and Bangerter Pkwy from 13800 South to Highland Dr.
Many residents experienced flooding issues, resulting in property damage. The City recommends that any property owners affected contact their insurance companies to see about coverage. Draper City will be providing residents with an update regarding the process of reporting damage to personal and City property.
All City and County resources have been dedicated to public road cleanup and access. Draper City Mayor Troy Walker declared a state of emergency due to flooding in order to receive additional aid. The City has coordinated with Salt Lake County Emergency Management for support with equipment to help clear roads.
As of 11:20 AM on August 4, 1300 East, Highland Drive, and the Roundabout at Mike Weir Dr have reopened and are accessible. Bangerter Pkwy is now open for traffic, with one lane still closed going uphill. Please drive carefully through this area.
Residents have been coming together to help one another in the aftermath of the storm. Please check on your neighbors and lend a hand wherever possible.