It was to have lasted a quarter of a century or more, that Tempe Town Lake dam. The inflatable rubber dam created Town Lake for the city of Tempe, Arizona, a tourist destination and point of civic pride for residents. According to Associated Press reports, however, one of the 11-year-old dam segments burst. Two-thirds to three-fourths of all the water in Tempe Town Lake – thousands of gallons – gushed to the connecting Salt River, a dry riverbed that is known as a spot for homeless people to stay during summer months.
No injuries reported after Tempe Town Lake explosion
Reports indicate the spontaneous explosion of the 16-foot-high section of the Tempe Town Lake dam caused no injuries, and also the water has placed no structures in instant danger. There was a loud boom and ground tremors within the area of the Arizona State University campus, as outlined by on-the-scene witnesses. Seconds afterward, witnesses saw animals fleeing the scene. Minutes later, a safety alarm rang out. It is unclear at this time if homeless persons in the Salt River bed heard the warning or not.
One billion gallons, flowing out at 15,000 cubic feet per second
That’s the flow at Tempe Town Lake, says Mayor Hugh Hallman. As far back as 2007, experts reportedly knew the Arizona climate was wreaking havoc with the structural integrity of the rubber dam. In spite of this, no repairs were undertaken. By April 2009, the makers of Tempe Town Lake dam made a safety recommendation, but Tempe chose to ignore the warning.
And the homeless masses?
While the alarm was sounded, currents reports are unclear as to what affect the Tempe Town Lake dam explosion had on the transient population. Most consider this incident exploded rubber and government impotency. However, when the cost of homelessness is factored in, there could be fiscal import. Experts have found that it costs U.S. taxpayers almost $ 11 billion each year to help the chronically homeless. Forbes reports that that figure would descend to a more manageable $ 7.88 billion if the homeless were given permanent homes.
There could be residency
In Maricopa County, where Tempe is located, AZCentral.com reports that you will find approximately 8,000 homeless individuals on any given day. Give the disadvantaged the housing they need and Maricopa County would conserve as much as half of what they currently spend on emergency services. Tempe Town Lake and an exploding rubber dam may sound like comedy, but the possible impact on the homeless – even for the better, if they’re forced into housing – could provide something truly good .
More info on this topic
philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/nation/20100721_ap_rubberizeddambreaksatmanmadearizonalake.html
azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2010/06/11/20100611tempe-homeless-outreach-united-way.html
forbes.com/2006/08/25/us-homeless-aid-cx_np_0828oxford.html
