Colorado Springs has been awarded two substantial federal grants to boost environmental restoration efforts within the Fountain Creek Watershed. The grants, summing up to $700,000, come as part of initiatives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which aim to support planning for the COS Creek Plan. The City of Colorado Springs and its Stormwater Enterprise are set to put these grants towards improving the rapidly growing, most populated watershed in the state.
As reported by the City of Colorado Springs, Mayor Yemi Mobolade spoke on the importance of the WaterSmart grants, saying, "These projects are important to our COS Creek Plan, a collaborative effort between the Pikes Peak Waterways, Colorado Springs Utilities, and the City of Colorado Springs." He highlighted the grants' role in maintaining and improving both natural and manmade infrastructure, catering to the area's growth, and boosting city vibrancy.
The grants stem from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSmart program designed to address water-related concerns in the region. A $300,000 portion of the funding will go towards crafting a water strategy for the Monument Creek corridor, which aims to improve water quality, support wildlife, and restore areas impacted by environmental issues such as erosion and the aftermath of wildfires. The Monument Creek Water Strategy will be developed in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs.
The second portion of the grant, amounting to $400,000, focuses on the Fountain Creek Basin, with restoration and protection efforts targeting a 1.5-mile stretch from the Cimarron area to Shooks Run Confluence. "This support for the Colorado Springs area will help one of Colorado’s most populated watersheds continue to provide clean, clear water for hardworking people in El Paso County and communities further downstream," said Colorado Governor Jared Polis, as per City of Colorado Springs.
The implementation of these watershed initiatives is slated to commence in the summer of 2025. The funding aligns with the region's broad environmental objectives, directly addressing the challenges of a rapidly expanding population and increasing development within the watershed, which supplies approximately 15% of Colorado Springs' drinking water and supports local agriculture.
