COLORADO SPRINGS ~ Colorado Springs, CO - In an effort to improve water quality, protect vital infrastructure, and support wildlife in one of Colorado's most populated watersheds, Governor Polis, the City of Colorado Springs, and the Fountain Creek Watershed District have welcomed two grants totaling $700,000 from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), these grants will support watershed restoration efforts in the Fountain Creek Watershed. The goal is to reduce erosion and flooding, improve water quality, and protect vital infrastructure and wildlife.

Governor Polis expressed his gratitude for the support from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, stating that it will help ensure that one of Colorado's most populated watersheds continues to provide clean water for communities downstream. He also emphasized the importance of working closely with local partners to secure federal funding and support Colorado's water future.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation awarded $300,000 to the Fountain Creek Watershed District to create a water strategy for the Monument Creek corridor in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs. This strategy aims to improve water quality, restore damaged areas, and support wildlife. It will also address challenges such as erosion, sediment buildup, and impacts from recent wildfires.

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In addition to this grant, the City of Colorado Springs received $400,000 from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to restore and protect a 1.5-mile stretch of the Fountain Creek Basin in partnership with Fountain Creek Watershed District. This project will create a healthier stream system and improve recreational access for the community.

Mayor Yemi Mobolade expressed excitement about receiving two WaterSmart grants for projects along Fountain and Monument creeks. These projects align with their COS Creek Plan - a collaborative effort between Pikes Peak Waterways, Colorado Springs Utilities, and the City of Colorado Springs - as well as their ongoing efforts to maintain and improve natural and manmade infrastructure to support the city's growth.

Alli Schuch, Executive Director of the Fountain Creek Watershed District, also shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating that it will enhance the health of local waterways and those downstream.

The Office of the Governor provided grant writing assistance to secure the $300,000 grant for the Monument Creek Water Strategy. Since the passage of IIJA and IRA, Colorado has partnered with communities across the state to provide grant writing, navigation, and matching funds support. These efforts have resulted in tens of millions in funding for communities in Colorado.

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The Fountain Creek Watershed is located in the Pike's Peak Region - the most populated and fastest-growing watershed in Colorado. With population growth and development in the area, there is an increased need to protect this vital water source. The City of Colorado Springs has seen a 37% increase in population since 2000, with portions of it located within the watershed. Currently, around 15% of their drinking water supply comes from this watershed, which also serves as an agricultural water source for farmlands in southeastern Colorado.

The Monument Creek Water Strategy will focus on specific areas west of Interstate 25 within the Jackson Creek section of the Monument Creek Watershed. This area has been impacted by urban development and is a resource for nearby United States Air Force Academy.

With these grants from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Governor Polis, along with local partners, are taking important steps towards protecting and preserving one of Colorado's most vital watersheds for future generations.

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