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1. What is the history of the Bee Branch Creek?

The "Bee Branch" is identified on the US Geological Survey maps running along W. 32nd Street. At the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin, the creek enters into the storm sewer that has for many decades been referred to as the Bee Branch storm sewer. This storm sewer extended from W. 32nd Street down through the Couler Valley area and discharged into the pond near the former Dubuque Packing Company property on E. 16th Street. Prior to the early 1900's, it is thought that Bee Branch Creek joined with the Couler Creek somewhere between what is now W. 30th Street and W. 32nd Street.

Visit the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project website

2. What is a green alley and what are the benefits?

All alleys and other impervious surfaces throughout the watershed contribute to the flooding problems.  When stormwater runs off your property, it enters the street and storm sewer system.  The capacity of the system can be exceeded in major rain events. The Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project takes a comprehensive, watershed-wide approach to reducing the amount of stormwater, slowing its rate through the upper watershed, and increasing the safe conveyance of stormwater to prevent flooding and private property and public infrastructure damage. The conversion of 240 alleys will result in runoff reductions of up to 80% within the Bee Branch Watershed.

Green Alley Information

3. What is the "right-of-way"?

Right-of-way (ROW) is land which is owned by the City to provide a location for the construction of streets, alleys, sidewalks, and utilities. Typically, the width of public ROW is 50, 60, or 64 feet, although other widths may occur. ROW is always wider than the street. If a 50-foot wide ROW has a 26-foot wide street, then there is a 12-foot wide area behind the curb on both sides of the street which is owned by the City, providing that street is centered in the ROW. Property owners cannot encroach upon public ROW with fences, walls, or buildings since this may conflict with the use of ROW for utilities and sidewalks.  For more information contact the City of Dubuque Engineering Department or call (563) 589-4270.