SDS PREPARATIONS PROCEEDING ON SCHEDULE

The economic downturn has raised some questions about whether there will be a need to delay the Southern Delivery System project. The construction schedule projects SDS to go online in 2012 based upon our current customer demand forecast.

As is common for any project the size of SDS, we’ll recalibrate the projected need date before construction begins. Colorado Springs Utilities is responsible for ensuring there’s enough water to meet peak demand at all times. With electricity, utilities can go to the national grid for additional power, if needed. But there’s no readily available emergency source of water for Colorado Springs or the other communities participating in the project.

To live up to our responsibility to our customers, we must remain focused on the long-term – not short-term variables. While demand may fluctuate in the short term, SDS is designed to meet our community’s long-term water needs.

We are currently reviewing the comments submitted in response to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and focusing on obtaining numerous local, state and federal permits required before construction can begin. We’re also completing other preliminary work – design, engineering, land surveys and appraisals – that must be done before construction can begin. To meet the 2012 completion date called for by our current demand forecast, construction needs to begin next year.