County to pay $1.1 million to homeowners in ‘99 flood

Erica D. Johnson

Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003 | 11:12 a.m.

Clark County will pay a group of Las Vegas homeowners $1.1 million for water damage to their homes and property during the 100-year flood four years ago.

A jury on Aug. 8 determined that the county did not properly maintain the Duck Creek Wash, a flood channel near Robindale Road and Spencer Street that failed to hold back thousands of gallons of rushing water during the July 8, 1999, flood.

William Coultard, who represented the group of 24 residents, said the verdict marked the end of a long fight for the homeowners, who began the action more than three years ago.

"The homeowners are relieved. They felt vindicated by the jury's verdict," he said. "The county denied liability throughout the action."

Clark County and the homeowners settled on the damage amount after the jury's decision. The second phase of the case, to determine damages, was scheduled to begin today before District Judge Valorie Vega but will be canceled.

Chris Durand was one homeowner who had more than a foot of water standing in her home after the flood waters rushed in.

Her furniture was badly damaged and sheet rock and insulation in the home had to be replaced. Damage to her home was estimated at more than $130,000.

"It was so frightening," she said. "People just don't know how dangerous that water is. They have no concept of how strong it is."

Clark County spokesman Erik Pappa declined comment this morning, saying county officials could not discuss the case until the matter is officially resolved.

A secretary for attorney Michael Mansfield, who represented the county in the suit, hung up on a Sun reporter this morning when the Sun made attempts to seek comment.

News of the settlement came on Tuesday, as residents in northwest Las Vegas battled similar flood waters, which city officials say caused more than $12 million in damage to public structures. Damage to private property has not been totaled yet.

Durand watched Tuesday's events unfold on her television. "It's bittersweet with what happened Tuesday," she said. "It's difficult to watch. I know what these people are going through."

Durand had flood insurance, though many of the homeowners who suffered damage in Tuesday's flood did not.