Question 200 Defeated by Voters

Question 200, a measure that would have likely eliminated the city of Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise, was defeated by voters 60 percent to 40 percent Tuesday (November 4).

Cities all over the United States have stormwater-collections systems to keep storm runoff from flooding property within their own boundaries and to prevent flooding and pollutions problems to communities downstream from them.

Loss of the Stormwater Enterprise could have jeopardized plans for the Southern Delivery System (SDS) originating from Pueblo Dam. SDS from Pueblo Dam is our preferred alternative because it is the most direct and cost effective alignment and allows Pueblo West to participate in the project.

Much of the discussion regarding SDS centers on concerns about water quality in Fountain Creek. Continuation of the Stormwater Enterprise conveys Colorado Springs’ commitment to meeting its legal and moral obligations to address stormwater discharged into Fountain Creek. Colorado Springs is also involved in regional planning efforts to improve Fountain Creek and intends to conduct mitigation required by the Bureau of Reclamation and Pueblo County to address SDS impacts.

“I have said all along that Colorado Springs voters would do the right thing,” said John Fredell, Southern Delivery System Project Director. “The continuation of the Stormwater Enterprise is good news for everyone concerned about controlling the impacts of stormwater to our community, our downstream neighbors, and to the health of Fountain Creek.”