From the Loveland Reporter Herald (Pamela Dickman):
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation received federal stimulus money to begin the project in July. The price includes some new equipment plus the paint job. The old coating on the pipes has held up well for 50-plus years, but it was time for a new coat, and the stimulus money was available, said Kara Lamb, Bureau of Reclamation spokeswoman.
Crews are blasting the current coating off the outside and inside of the pipes with a grit that is harder than rock, explained Gary Valasek, safety inspector. Because the old coating contains heavy metals, workers must follow strict safety guidelines.
More Colorado-Big Thompson coverage here.