Title
A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Price For The Acquisition Of Permanent Easements On The Properties Identified By El Paso County Tax Schedule Numbers 6434100032, 6434100035, And 6434112004 And Located At Astrozon Boulevard To Be Used For The Kelker To South Plant Transmission 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 easements on the properties located at Astrozon Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado, owned by Lockwood Properties LLC and identified by Tax Schedule Numbers 6434100032, 6434100035, and 6434112004 (“Properties”) for the Kelker to South Plant Transmission Project.
Background:
On June 26, 2020, the Utilities Board approved the new Electric and Gas Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs). The IRPs commit Utilities to a new energy future that is cost-effective, resilient and environmentally sustainable. Aligned with our Energy Vision, the IRPs achieve an 80% carbon reduction by 2030 and decommission all Utilities coal generation by 2030, including the downtown Martin Drake Power Plant no later than 2023. The IRPs call for grid modernization, integration of more cost-effective renewable energy and incorporation of new technologies like energy storage.
The Kelker to South Plant Transmission Project (“Project”) will provide a new overhead single circuit 115kV transmission line from Kelker Substation to South Plant Substation. This added transmission infrastructure is needed to support the decommissioning of Martin Drake Power Plant. The Project is approximately 5 miles long and staff has been working with 19 private property owners, Colorado Department of Transposition, Union Pacific and BNSF Railroads, and City departments to acquire the property rights needed for the Project.
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”) provide that if the total acquisition amount is greater than $100,000, City Council must approve the acquisition amount.
Staff is requesting authorization to acquire the easements for the total acquisition settlement amount of $475,000.
Previous Council Action:
City Council has approved numerous resolutions for the purchase of easements for the Kelker to South Plant Transmission Project.
Financial Implications:
These easement acquisitions are accounted for in Utilities’ 2026 project budget.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
Utilities Board will consider these acquisitions at its regular meeting on September 16, 2026.
Stakeholder Process:
Staff has met with and had regular communication with property owners impacted by the Kelker to South Plant Transmission Project for several years and will continue to communicate with stakeholders on a regular basis. In addition, negotiations with property owners are conducted in accordance with the RES Manual, and all applicable laws.
Alternatives:
Approve the resolution.
Deny the resolution.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Motion to approve the proposed Resolution authorizing the purchase price for the acquisition of easements to be used for the Kelker to South Plant Transmission Project.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A