Fremont County shows support for SDS

At the conclusion of their hearing on Feb. 10., the Fremont County Commissioners expressed support for the Southern Delivery System (SDS) project in Fremont County and voted to consider approval of the pending land use permit application as early as their Feb. 24 meeting – once conditions are agreed to and finalized.

During the hearing, SDS project staff provided an hour-long presentation on key components, public outreach efforts, mitigation of project impacts, and potential benefits to Fremont County. Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera conveyed that the Fremont County option is a viable option for SDS that the city is seriously considering.

During the presentation, SDS staff reviewed numerous commitments to avoid or mitigate construction impacts, efforts to protect river flows and the economic and community SDS benefits to Fremont County, including $60 million in construction labor, enhancements to the Florence River Park, and partnerships with local water providers, among others.

SDS Project Director John Fredell reported that considerable progress is being made in discussions with Penrose Water District and Beaver Park Water. Colorado Springs Utilities is optimistic that agreements can be reached with these Fremont County water providers to ensure they can participate in the project, if they choose, and to provide assurances that SDS will not impact their water operations.

Commissioners gave the public an opportunity to provide additional comments on the project. Of the verbal and written comments submitted, there were significantly more in support of the project than in opposition. A number of groups who had previously shared concerns about the project spoke out in support of the project yesterday indicating that issues they had with the project have been resolved.

"The support we are receiving in Fremont County is a positive step forward for the project. We look forward to working with the Fremont County Board of Commissioners and staff to develop conditions to their satisfaction,” Fredell said. "We want to be good neighbors, and we appreciate Fremont County’s consideration of our permit."

While no final decision has been made regarding which alternative will be constructed, project participants have proceeded with the required permitting for alternatives in Fremont and Pueblo Counties. We are committed to working with Fremont County to ensure the project meets all our communities’ needs.