Title
A Resolution approving the naming of the future Lower Williams Creek Reservoir the "Harold Miskel Reservoir"
Presenter:
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities
Body
Summary:
The Lower Williams Creek Reservoir site is sixteen miles southeast of the City and is planned for the storage and exchange of reusable return flow from transmountain water supplies. Colorado Springs Utilities would like to name the reservoir after a retired employee, Harold Miskel, who has had a significant impact on Colorado Springs Utilities' ability to serve water to its customers.
Background:
Mr. Miskel was employed by City of Colorado Springs/Colorado Springs Utilities from 1966 to 1999 and served as president of Colorado Water Congress in the 1980s. During his career, he was an integral part of securing water for the growing Colorado Springs community - leading numerous water rights negotiations.
During his 33 years of service to Colorado Springs Utilities, Harold Miskel led the effort to obtain a municipal exchange water right, the Arkansas River Exchange Decree, recognized by the Water Court as a decreed water right in a priority system in 1996. This is the mechanism that allows for the planned Lower Williams Creek Reservoir.
For more than a half-century he's been an active voice at the state legislature, helping with the development of water law, writing many bills and amendments that are foundations for water development in Colorado.
Following retirement Miskel remained active in the water community, serving on the Colorado Water Conservation Board and the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District Board. In 2016, he was named the Wayne N. Aspinall Water Leader of the Year by the Colorado Water Congress.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
N/A
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
This item was discussed by the Colorado Springs Utilities Strategic Planning Committee an...
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