Title
A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement by and between the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, acting by and through its enterprise Colorado Springs Utilities, and Bent County, Colorado
Presenter:
Abigail Ortega, General Manager of Planning, Colorado Springs Utilities
Aram Benyamin, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities
Summary:
Colorado Springs Utilities is seeking City Council approval to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Bent County, Colorado to meet the water supply demands of a growing population, mitigate against current and future water supply risks, and diversify its water supply portfolio.
Background:
Colorado Springs Utilities desires to acquire water rights from agricultural interests that have been historically used for irrigation within Bent County, Colorado and change them to include municipal and industrial uses. Bent County has designated the efficient utilization of municipal and industrial water projects as an activity of state interest, and the permanent cessation of irrigation as an area of state interest, as set forth in the County's 1041 Regulations. Utilities and Bent County recognize that it is in their interests to work collaboratively to enter into an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) that enables Utilities to develop up to fifteen thousand (15,000) acre-feet, on an average annual basis, for all municipal and industrial purposes, in lieu of, and without the need for obtaining a permit under the County's 1041 Regulations; and mitigate the impacts of water development on County. Bent County's Board of County Commissioners approved the IGA on September 1, 2022.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
Monetary mitigation as identified in the IGA, under Covenants and Agreements, Section II. Upfront and Per Acre-Foot Mitigation and Other Payments.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
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