Alma, Colorado, renowned as the highest incorporated town in North America, is at the center of a significant water infrastructure project. Colorado Springs Utilities has proposed an expansion of the Montgomery Reservoir, located just outside Alma, with the goal of doubling its current capacity. This initiative seeks to modernize aging infrastructure and better capture water resources in response to the increasing demands of the region.
Maria Pastore, a Water Resource Planner with Colorado Springs Utilities, emphasized the importance of this project: “It is nearly 70 years old. So, it will also help meet our water management needs by addressing current storage capacity constraints that we have.” The reservoir, constructed in 1957, is a crucial component of the Continental-Hoosier System, a transmountain network that channels water from the Blue River basin to Colorado Springs.
While the expansion promises enhanced water security, it also raises concerns about potential impacts on local recreation areas cherished by Alma residents and visitors. The reservoir vicinity is popular for activities such as hiking, fishing, and off-road access. Addressing these concerns, Pastore assured the community: “We understand that to be very important to the community up there. Those public benefits, the hiking, the fishing, off-road access, those will all remain the same once construction is complete.”
The project is currently in the permitting phase, with applications for local, state, and federal approvals expected this year. If granted, construction could commence as early as 2028 and continue into the early 2030s. Colorado Springs Utilities has committed to maintaining open communication with the Alma community throughout the project’s progression, including hosting community meetings to gather input and address concerns.
As Alma navigates this development, the town’s leadership and residents are poised to engage actively, ensuring that the expansion aligns with both the community’s needs and environmental stewardship.