Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of Real Property located at 37433 County Road 371 in Buena Vista, Colorado to be used for the Homestake Water Project
Presenter:
Jessica K. Davis, Land Resource Manager, Colorado Springs Utilities
Body
Summary:
Colorado Springs Utilities (“Utilities”) requests that City Council approve a resolution that will allow Utilities to purchase 37433 County Road 371 in Buena Vista, Colorado to be used for the Homestake Water Project.
Background:
The Homestake Water Project is a collaborative trans-mountain water system jointly owned by the City of Aurora and Colorado Springs Utilities, which includes the Homestake Reservoir, Homestake Tunnel, Otero Pump Station and the Homestake Pipeline. The Homestake Steering Committee is a joint governance body made up of representatives from the City of Aurora and Colorado Springs Utilities that oversee the Homestake Water Project
The Homestake Water Project seeks to acquire a 22.8‑acre parcel adjacent to the Otero Pump Station. The existing Otero Pump Station site is fully built out, leaving no remaining space for essential improvements or future operational needs. Acquiring the adjacent parcel would provide several key advantages for the Homestake Water Project: 1) dedicated storage space for pipe, materials, and equipment; 2) sufficient area to construct a storage building that protects critical components from weather exposure; 3) a long‑term laydown zone to support upcoming and future project activities; 4) temporary accommodations for new personnel during onboarding; 5) overnight facilities for project support staff during construction or maintenance operations. Additionally, a portion of the Homestake pipeline and the lower access road to the Otero Pump Station already lie within the boundaries of this parcel, making its acquisition operationally strategic. The Homestake Steering Committee has reviewed and approved the request to move forward with this property acquisition.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Colorado Springs City Charter, the City is empowered to acquire real property necessary for Utilities’ projects. Sections 4.1 and 9.6 of The City of Colorado Springs Procedure Manual for the Acquisition and Disposition of Real Property Interests, Revised 2021 (the “RES Manual”) provides that if the total acquisition amount is greater than $100,000, City Council must approve the acquisition amount and if the property is to be used for Utilities-purposes, Utilities Board must review and make a recommendation on the purchase.
Utilities is requesting authorization from Utilities Board and City Council to acquire the real property located at 37433 County Road 371 in Buena Vista, Colorado for a purchase price of $1,400,000, which is supported by a real estate appraisal conducted by an independent real estate appraiser.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
This property acquisition is accounted for in Utilities’ 2026 project budget.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
Utilities Board reviewed and recommended approval of the proposed acquisition at its regular meeting on July 22, 2026.
Stakeholder Process:
The Homestake Steering Committee has reviewed and approved the request to move forward with this property acquisition.
Alternatives:
Deny the resolution.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Motion to Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of Real Property located at 37433 County Road 371 in Buena Vista, Colorado to be used for the Homestake Water Project.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A