How to Submit Comments

THE SOUTHERN DELIVERY SYSTEM:  AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE

The Bureau of Reclamation is accepting comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Southern Delivery System (SDS). Using existing water rights, SDS provides Colorado Springs with additional water to meet future demand. The Bureau analyzed seven alternatives of which the final selection will be referred to as SDS. After thorough review, the Bureau chose Alternative 2 as the initial Agency Preferred Alternative. Colorado Springs Utilities supports the initial Preferred Alternative because it will help Colorado Springs respond to its growing population in a cost-efficient manner. It’s important to voice your opinions on the SDS. Comments can be submitted at the public meetings or in writing to the Bureau of Reclamation.

Attending a Public Meeting

Written and oral comments can be provided at public meetings held in six different communities, which will utilize an open house format, to be held from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Commenting Directly to the Bureau of Reclamation

Comments can also be submitted by mail, phone, fax, or e-mail. Please reference the “Southern Delivery System DEIS” when commenting.

Ms. Kara Lamb
Bureau of Reclamation

RE: Southern Delivery System DEIS
Eastern Colorado Area Office
11056 W. County Road 18E
Loveland, CO 80537-9711
Phone: (970) 962-4326
Facsimile: (970) 663-3212
klamb@gp.usbr.gov

Deadline: To be considered, comments on the DEIS must be received by April 29, 2008.

Colorado Springs Utilities supports the initial Preferred Alternative for the following reasons:

It is the Common-Sense Solution

It provides a cost effective, environmentally responsible and dependable way to deliver the water we need for our future. SDS allows us to maintain our quality of life and healthy economy.

· It uses water rights Colorado Springs already owns on the Arkansas River.

· Pueblo Reservoir is the most direct way for Colorado Springs to access Arkansas River water.

· Through property taxes, El Paso County residents have invested more than $65 million in Fry-Ark facilities, including the Pueblo Reservoir. A pipeline from Pueblo Dam maximizes our investment.

It is the Most Appropriate Alternative

The Preferred Alternative uses existing excess capacity storage space in Pueblo Reservoir and conveyance through the existing Pueblo Dam outlet works.

· It is the lowest cost and lowest energy demand option among the alternatives.

· Its design is suitable for adding a potable reuse system in the future.

· It provides back-up delivery capacity when other pipelines are not in service.

We Need SDS Because Colorado Springs Is Growing

SDS is the common-sense plan to help create additional protection for our water delivery system.

· The State demographer estimates 800,000 people will reside in Colorado Springs by 2050. Half of the growth will come from the children and grandchildren of those of us living here now.

· Colorado Springs is located far from its main water source, the Arkansas River, and so water must be piped long distances.

· The last major water delivery project for Colorado Springs was built in the 1960s, with a population less than half of what it is today. Additional pipeline and storage capacity is critical.

· Colorado Springs has an award-winning conservation program with residential per capita use among the lowest on the Front Range, but demand for water has grown and will continue to grow.

We Need SDS To Provide Water For Our Troops

It is critical for the Armed Forces to have a safe, economically feasible water system.

· Colorado Springs is home to Army and Air Force military bases and the U.S. Air Force Academy which are key to the protection of the American public; lack of water could compromise their mission.

· Fort Carson, due to troop relocation, is expanding; we need to prepare for this growth.

We Need SDS to Protect Against Drought

The additional water storage from SDS will let us collect more water in wet years to use in dry periods.

· Colorado Springs needs to increase its “savings account” for future droughts.

We Need SDS to Keep Water Rates Affordable

We need to keep rates affordable and provide for Colorado Springs’ current and future needs.

· SDS is a large and necessary investment; Alternative 2 is the lowest cost option.

· Without SDS, Colorado Springs may eventually run short on water supplies thus hindering the quality of life for its residents and Colorado Springs’ healthy economy.