Pueblo County renews criticism of stormwater situation
On Wednesday, Pueblo County leaders continued criticism of their northern neighbors for perceived inaction on stormwater projects, but the relationship could soon change for the better.
During a Wednesday meeting, Pueblo County Commissioner Terry Hart said he and his fellow commissioners are tired of waiting for Colorado Springs and El Paso County to find the money to pay for much-needed projects to protect Fountain Creek.
“We’re not thrilled,” he said. “We’re pretty upset that it isn’t happening. It’s a major concern for us. Frankly, we want to get it fixed.”
However, Hart said he’s encouraged by statements made by Colorado Springs Mayor-Elect John Suthers.
“I can assure Pueblo that we’ll continue to have some discussions, and you’ll see commitments from myself as mayor and the Utilities Board in terms of resolving the stormwater issues that they’re concerned about,” Suthers said.
Suthers plans to meet with Pueblo County leaders within 30 days.
Pueblo County has been at odds with Colorado Springs and El Paso County over the stormwater issue since 2009, when Colorado Springs — under public pressure — ended a fee to property owners that generated funding for projects.
“That happened right after we allowed them to build part of the Southern Delivery System through our county,” Hart said of the water supply project by Colorado Springs Utilities. “They said they would have a dedicated funding source and they still don’t have one.”
The situation led former Pueblo County District Attorney Bill Thiebaut to sue Colorado Springs on several occasions.
Last fall, Colorado Springs voters rejected a proposed fee that would have provided money for stormwater projects.
“Water is tearing up our county,” Hart said. “Erosion, debris, sediment and flooding are all affecting Fountain Creek from the north. We’ll have to close Overton Road in the north part of the county because the creek keeps moving.”
Suthers said Colorado Springs and El Paso County have spent millions on stormwater improvements.
“I don’t agree with Pueblo (County) that Colorado Springs has breached any legal obligations,” he said. “I simply do not. I’ve been briefed about the legal issues. But I do believe it’s very much in our interest to meet with Pueblo, hear their concerns and do what we can to alleviate their concerns.”
El Paso County Commissioner Amy Lathen, a proponent of last fall’s stormwater ballot question, said the county and Colorado Springs are doing what they can to resolve the matter and reach an agreement with Pueblo County.
“Ultimately, they’ll have to (decide) whether that’s enough,” she said.
Also on Wednesday, Hart said Pueblo County commissioners approved an agreement with an engineering firm to better understand how a list of proposed projects would affect Pueblo County.
