From The Pueblo Chieftain (Chris Woodka):
A project to add hydropower to the north outlet at Pueblo Dam has gotten an initial OK from Pueblo County. The county planning department recommended a finding of no significant impact for the project under its 1041 permit process. The FONSI is issued if a project is not expected to have significant social, economic or environmental impact to the county.
Pueblo County commissioners heard the report Monday.
The permit is named for the 1974 HB1041 that allows cities and counties to regulate projects with statewide impact.
The Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Colorado Springs Utilities and Pueblo Board of Water Works are partners in the project.
The hydropower plant would generate 7 megawatts of electric power and cost about $20 million. A loan will be sought in 2015 through the Colorado Water Conservation Board to finance the project.
In September, the Southeastern board heard an update on the project, and learned it would be at least 2018 before power is produced.
The outlet was modified during construction of the hook-up for the Southern Delivery System, the $841 million pipeline being built by Colorado Springs.
It also provides the primary flow to the Arkansas River and can be modified in the future to cross-connect with the south outlet, which serves Pueblo, Pueblo West, the Fountain Valley Conduit and the future Arkansas Valley Conduit.
The project partners are negotiating about who would purchase power generated at the dam.
More Southern Delivery System coverage here.