The following is a summary of the questions and answers fielded ahead of and during the April 9, 2026, Placer Valley community meeting at the Alma Town Hall.
If you don’t see an answer to your question here, please send it to projectinfo@csu.org.
As the project continues to develop and more details are available, we will provide updated information.
You may also subscribe to the project newsletter in the link below.
How far along is the project?
The CHS Project is currently in the pre-permitting phase, with project design at 30%. This phase involves preliminary planning, gathering information. and engaging with relevant authorities and stakeholders before formally applying for permits.
Our current timeline:
What’s required for the project to advance?
Federal, state and local permits and approvals are required for project construction.* There is a public process for the Environmental Assessment and local permitting with Park and Summit Counties. [tooltip text="A Memorandum of Agreement with six West Slope water providers regarding conditional water storage rights we hold in the Blue River watershed and that was finalized in 2024 sets a pathway forward for project permitting in Summit County."]
We anticipate submitting permitting applications later this year. At the same time, we are progressing the project design and will onboard a construction contractor to streamline planning and project development.
Additional collaboration with agencies and key stakeholders will be on-going throughout permitting and construction to identify appropriate options/solutions for mitigation, and to ensure compliance with all regulations.
*A Memorandum of Agreement with six West Slope water providers regarding conditional water storage rights we hold in the Blue River watershed and that was finalized in 2024 sets a pathway forward for project permitting in Summit County.
View the full list of requirements View the full list of requirements
What is the ecological impact on the environment?
The proposed project minimizes environmental impacts through redevelopment of an existing reservoir that will continue to provide recreational opportunities for the area after construction is completed.
Impacts to environmental resources are currently being evaluated and will be disclosed through the NEPA permitting process. Additionally, a 401 Water Quality Certification application that includes surface water quality and quantity evaluations will be submitted as part of permitting.
What effect will enlargement construction have on downstream water?
How will the reservoir be enlarged?
We will enlarge the reservoir by increasing the dam height from 91 feet to 158 feet. The existing dam will remain in place. The new dam will be constructed downstream from the existing dam and will utilize upstream elements of the existing dam.
Currently, Montgomery Reservoir’s capacity is 5,699 acre-feet. The expansion would add approximately 8,100 acre-feet of additional storage space for years of high runoff; however, what we store from year to year will fluctuate based on physical and legal availability of supplies. For example, additional supplies would not be physically available in drought years like 2026.
What will construction activity look like?
What access roads will be used for construction, trucking materials, etc.?
The anticipated primary access roads for construction and haul vehicles are State Highway 9 and Park County Road 4. Anticipated impacts range from dust mitigation to traffic management.
Safety of project personnel and the surrounding community will be a priority throughout the project. We will analyze all feasible options for managing construction traffic and minimizing impacts on the local community.
Recreational impacts are expected to be limited to the time period of construction activities (2029-2032).
Will the reservoir be available during construction?
Will access to the Wheeler Lake 4x4 road north of the reservoir be maintained both during and after the reservoir expansion?
The heavy construction activities during the project necessitate that we secure the area for public and contractor safety.
While construction activities are underway, access to the 408-Wheeler Lake Road and surrounding areas will be determined by the construction plan and maintaining public safety during the project in coordination with U.S. Forest Service and other agencies.
Full access will be restored following project completion.
Are there plans to demolish the historic Magnolia Mill north of the reservoir during this project?
Would the expansion of the reservoir allow for more recreational opportunities like canoeing or motorized boating? How about a fishing pier?
Opportunities for improvements to recreation at Montgomery Reservoir following construction, such as canoeing, are being considered but have not yet been determined.
Please note that these decisions involve careful planning and thoughtful consideration of:
More information is needed on how fluctuations of the level of the reservoir during spring runoff and city water deliveries would impact a pier structure. Currently, shoreline fishing is allowed through these fluctuations.
Motorized boating cannot be accommodated at this reservoir, as it requires larger parking lots to accommodate a parking ramp, trailer turnaround areas, dock, and an inspection and decontamination station for ANS control.
Will this project address the increase in human waste/trash around the reservoir that’s occurred as visitors have increased?
More information is needed to understand all impacts and trade-offs while protecting source water and other natural resources.
Management of recreation to address sanitation (e.g bathrooms, trash, etc.) could involve different approaches:
How would an enlargement impact those living downstream and in the surrounding area?
We maintain a rigorous dam safety and maintenance program and will continue to comply with all State requirements to promote and ensure public safety, as has been done at Montgomery Reservoir for the past 70 years.
We are utilizing a dam design for the proposed expansion that has proven to work well at high elevation. The project will improve the dam technology currently in place to further reduce risks. Design and construction of the new dam will be reviewed by the State Engineer’s Office.
Are there any benefits for Park County residents as a result of the project being completed? How are you partnering with the Forest Service and Park County on this effort?
Will the project be paid for via property taxes?
How is Colorado Springs using the water it already has?
Due to decades of water conservation programming, Colorado Springs uses the same amount of water today as it did in the 1980s—even though our population has nearly doubled.
The City’s water shortage ordinance restricts outdoor watering year-round to no more than three days/week. During warmer months, watering may only occur before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation loss. In addition, we actively promote and provide program support for water-wise landscaping, including native grass, that require only 1-2 day/week of watering.
The project is aimed at enhancing water supply reliability and efficiency for Colorado Springs, addressing both current and future water management challenges. It allows us to fully develop our existing water rights in the system while we are conducting necessary life-cycle upgrades to the reservoir.
