Fort Collins shifts water storage strategy to NISP project

The Fort Collins City Council has given initial approval to pursue participation in the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP), a move that would likely end two decades of efforts to expand the Halligan Reservoir.

City officials cited federal permitting challenges and financial uncertainty as primary drivers for the shift. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not issued a decision on the Halligan expansion since 2006 and recently indicated it would likely deny the application. In contrast, staff evaluations suggest that joining NISP offers greater permitting certainty and significant cost savings.

Under the proposed plan, Fort Collins would acquire a 5.8% share of the Glade Reservoir component of NISP, providing up to 9,860 acre-feet of storage. The NISP project, which has seen costs rise to an estimated $2.7 billion, includes the construction of Glade and Galeton reservoirs, along with necessary pipelines and pumping stations. City officials anticipate that transitioning to NISP will result in lower water rate increases for customers compared to the projected costs of completing the Halligan project. The council is scheduled to consider final approval on November 3.