Statement on USFWS determination related to green lineage cutthroat trout

The determination from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service doesn’t change Denver Water’s commitment to protecting the environment as we move forward with this critical project. Denver Water has agreed to more than 60 mitigation and enhancement projects on both side of the Continental Divide with a total cost of more than $20 million and is collaborating with numerous stakeholders to preserve the aquatic environment on a cooperative basis.

We remain committed to working with federal and state agencies and our partners on the Western Slope, as well as considering input from our neighbors to minimize and mitigate project disruptions.

The Gross Reservoir Expansion Project is a vital component of developing a more secure, reliable drinking water supply for a quarter of the state’s population. In the face of the uncertainties of climate change that bring more frequent and extreme droughts and precipitation events, we’ll continue to collaborate to ensure the project benefits the environmental health of our entire state.