Mayor Allender on 1972 Flood: 'Remember, Honor, Commemorate'

1972 Flood: ‘Keep in mind, Honor and Commemorate’

By Steve Allender, Mayor of Fast Metropolis

It has been 50 years – a half century – since floodwaters cascaded by way of canyons alongside west Freeway 44 and into Fast Metropolis, forging a path of destruction that included the collapse of Canyon Lake Dam, claiming 238 lives and destroying hundreds of houses and companies.  It’s an occasion that will endlessly influence our residents and our group.

                Because the years have handed, there are fewer survivors to share their first-hand accounts and experiences from that tragic night time, and the weeks and months of restoration that adopted.  We honor the lives of those that have been misplaced within the 1972 flood, which impacted not solely Fast Metropolis however surrounding Black Hills communities.  We additionally pay tribute to the heroes of our group – the primary responders and residents alike who rescued a whole lot of individuals from the raging waters, and who labored tirelessly within the days, weeks and months forward on efforts to maneuver ahead.

                As we keep in mind and honor the victims, survivors and residents of Fast Metropolis of 1972, we additionally honor the dedication and dedication of our group – its residents and leaders – for his or her efforts since June 1972.  From an evening of calamity and destruction got here years of restoration and progress, with an eye fixed to the longer term. The world the place flood waters reduce a path of destruction and devastation 50 years in the past, now features a 10-mile bike path, parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and recreation amenities.  The perfect tribute and dedication we are able to make to the 238 victims of the 1972 flood is do all we are able to to ensure the Metropolis’s greenway stays preserved and guarded for our group residents and guests to expertise and luxuriate in, guarding in opposition to the improper improvement alongside the flood pathway.

                To our residents and our guests, we welcome you to Fast Metropolis this summer season.  We invite and encourage you to affix with us as we ‘Keep in mind, Honor and Commemorate’.