Title
A Resolution Approving an Inter-Governmental Cost-Sharing Agreement to Fund an Interlocal Funding Agreement for Colorado River Conservation Project
Presenter:
Pat Wells, Water Resources and Demand Management, General Manager
Aram Benyamin, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities
Summary:
Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) will brief the Utilities Board on the potential to participate in the collaborative funding of a multi-season alfalfa pilot study in Arizona that may help sustain agriculture while reducing the amount of Colorado River water used in the agriculture industry. Staff will present a proposed resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between Denver Water, Springs Utilities, Aurora Water, and the Pueblo Board of Water Works to contribute funds to a Colorado River Basin water conservation pilot study.
Background:
The Colorado River Basin is experiencing the driest 22-year period in the historical record, which has caused significant decreases in annual water supply in the Colorado River system and depletions of Colorado River water storage. Several Lower and Upper Basin water providers acknowledge these severe conditions and the need to take urgent, proactive steps to reduce Colorado River water use. Denver Water entered into an agreement with entities from other Colorado River basin states to identify, select, and fund innovative water-conservation pilot scale projects that may have the potential to reduce consumptive uses of Colorado River water. Those entities have agreed to fund a multi-season alfalfa pilot study in Arizona utilizing gravity micro-irrigation technology that may help sustain agriculture while reducing the amount of Colorado River water used in the agriculture industry.
Denver Water agreed to contribute up to $60,000.00 towards funding the study. Springs Utilities, in collaboration with Aurora Water and Pueblo Water, desires to enter into a separate intergovernmental agreement with Denver Water to contribute to its funding of the alfalfa pilot study. As a user of Colorado River water, Springs Utilities will benefit from the results of the study. The intergovernmental agreement would require Springs Utilities to contribute up to $7,500 to Denver Water’s funding of the study.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
Springs Utilities desires to contribute up to $7,500 to Denver Water in support of this pilot study.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
N/A
Proposed Motion:
Approve the Resolution on the March 22, 2022 City Council Consent Agenda.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A