FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVES SDS-REVIEW AGREEMENT

The Fremont County Commission has approved a proposed intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Colorado Springs related to the potential construction of the Southern Delivery System (SDS) pipeline through their county.

The approval came Tuesday, April 8. The Colorado Springs City Council is expected to vote on the agreement at an upcoming special session.

The agreement would establish a process for Colorado Springs to work with Fremont County on review of proposals and reimbursement of costs incurred by Fremont County for the review of permit applications associated with the Southern Delivery System. The agreement also states the parties will work together to identify and plan for mitigation of potential SDS impacts.

Colorado Springs and its partners in the project – Pueblo West, Fountain and Security – have proposed building the SDS pipeline from Pueblo Dam through Pueblo County. A pipeline through Fremont County is one of the alternatives being considered by the Bureau of Reclamation in its Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the project. Pueblo West would not be a participant in the project if the pipeline goes through Fremont County.

“To ensure the best interests of our customers, Colorado Springs has been working with Fremont County leaders to discuss how we can best work with the county in the permitting process,” said John Fredell, SDS Project Director. “If we determine the Highway 115 Alternative is the best option for the Southern Delivery System, we want to have all the necessary permits in place so that we can begin construction once the Bureau issues a record of decision.”

Pending approval by Colorado Springs City Council, Colorado Springs Utilities expects to begin filing permit applications in Fremont County in the near future. The Bureau of Reclamation is expected to issue its Record of Decision for SDS early next year.