13-05-2025
Pueblo West narrowly approves joining water authority with Aurora, Pueblo and others
The Pueblo West Metro board narrowly approved participating in a regional water authority that is working on a plan to build a water storage reservoir near Boone.
During the board's past two meetings, discussions have focused on whether Pueblo West would benefit from participating in the Restoration and Yield Authority Establishment Agreement. Pueblo West joined forces with a group consisting of Aurora, Colorado Springs, the Pueblo Board of Water Works, Fountain and the Southeastern Water Conservancy District in 2015 as part of an intergovernmental agreement.
In 2021, Pueblo West pitched in $142,000 to help purchase land near Boone, where the group has plans to build a reservoir on Hanes Creek that will be used to store water, especially in high water years. With a 4.76% share in the reservoir, Pueblo West could have a little more than 200 acre-feet of water storage available.
Board Vice President Joe Mahaney said during the May 12 meeting that he believes the effort would be "participating in what I would call an evaporation pond around Boone," questioning whether the reservoir could benefit Pueblo West.
Deputy Director of Utilities Jeffrey DeHerrera explained that a future board could opt out of participating in the cost to build the reservoir if it was determined to be a "waste of money" for Pueblo West. He pointed out that Pueblo West's participation in the Restoration and Yield group so far has helped participating water users "come a long way on regional collaboration."
Brian Gray, a Pueblo West Board member, said he believes it is important to have a seat at the table, especially if Pueblo West purchases more water rights that can allow the community to continue to grow. Board Treasurer Brian Axworthy agreed, pointing out a future reservoir could help Pueblo West better manage its water portfolio.
The board voted 3-2 to approve participation in the authority with Gray, Axworthy and Board President Doug Proal voting in favor, and Mahaney and Board Secretary Bill Vickers voting against the resolution.
The board also gave unanimous approval to a lease plan that will allow the nonprofit Grid Alternatives to build a community solar farm on a 7.5-acre portion of metro district property located a half-mile northeast of Walmart between East McCulloch and Industrial boulevards. The ground array system would supply Black Hills Energy users, resulting in a 20% to 30% savings on subscribers' electric bills.
The lease will generate $5,250 in annual rent for the metro district and that payment will increase slightly each year during the 20-year lease period. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
More: Pueblo West board election: 3 new members appear headed for election, 2 incumbents trailing
Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@ or via X at Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: With growth in mind, Pueblo West OKs joining regional water authority
