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Project to increase floodwater storage at Chatfield Reservoir could start this fall

Posted at 4:30 AM, Sep 07, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-07 09:27:22-04

LITTLETON, Colo. — A floodwater storage project, decades in the making at Chatfield Reservoir, could begin as early as this fall. The Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project goes in line with providing water to the growing population in Colorado, expecting to double by the year 2050.

The water supply project reallocates a portion of the storage space in Chatfield Reservoir from flood control to joint flood control and multipurpose use. The project will raise the water level in the reservoir by 12 feet.

Chatfield Reservoir holds an estimated 350,000-acre feet of flood storage. The project takes 20,600-acre feet for re-purposing and also uses 2,100-acre feet for an environmental pool to improve water flow, water quality and recreation. The additional storage space will also be used by municipal and agricultural water providers to help meet the water needs of the state.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently reviewing the final design plans. The project costs more than $134 million and is being funded by eight project participants. Six of the participants are water providers, and two are state entities.

Construction is slated to begin in fall 2017 and will span over a three year period. Project organizers said the recreation construction would mainly happen during 2018. The project plans for completion by early winter 2020. For updates on closures in the park during construction, click here.