Colorado Spring Utilities is conducting an analysis to update the plan for how to implement its Preferred Alternative, a pipeline originating at Pueblo Dam, for the Southern Delivery System (SDS) project. The updated plan will outline the most technically and fiscally responsibly way to construct the next major component of its water delivery system.
"The Preferred Alternative remains the best option for SDS," said John Fredell, SDS Project Director. "While we have two viable options, we must be prudent stewards of our ratepayers' money, and our analysis has shown that the alternative from Pueblo Reservoir remains the most advantageous and cost-effective route for SDS."
Construction costs for the Pueblo County option are estimated to be at least $190 million less than the Highway 115 Alternative through Fremont County. The Preferred Alternative was also deemed by the Bureau of Reclamation as having the lowest energy use requirements of all the options studied, as well as fewer environmental and cultural impacts.
Fredell said Springs Utilities will continue working with officials and water providers in Fremont County and plan to preserve the option to build the Highway 115 Alternative until construction on the Preferred Alternative is underway. The Fremont County Commissioners approved a conditional use permit earlier this year for the SDS Highway 115 route.
For more information on the Southern Delivery System, visit www.sdswater.org.
"The Preferred Alternative remains the best option for SDS," said John Fredell, SDS Project Director. "While we have two viable options, we must be prudent stewards of our ratepayers' money, and our analysis has shown that the alternative from Pueblo Reservoir remains the most advantageous and cost-effective route for SDS."
Construction costs for the Pueblo County option are estimated to be at least $190 million less than the Highway 115 Alternative through Fremont County. The Preferred Alternative was also deemed by the Bureau of Reclamation as having the lowest energy use requirements of all the options studied, as well as fewer environmental and cultural impacts.
Fredell said Springs Utilities will continue working with officials and water providers in Fremont County and plan to preserve the option to build the Highway 115 Alternative until construction on the Preferred Alternative is underway. The Fremont County Commissioners approved a conditional use permit earlier this year for the SDS Highway 115 route.
For more information on the Southern Delivery System, visit www.sdswater.org.