Federal Judge Grants Denver Water 14-Day Window for Dam Construction
A federal judge has granted Denver Water, the state’s largest water utility, a temporary 14-day window to complete any necessary work on its $531 million dam expansion project before a court-ordered construction halt takes effect. This decision comes after U.S. District Court Judge Christine Arguello blocked Denver Water’s expansion of Gross Reservoir and ordered a stop to further construction work to raise the dam’s height. The judge ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated federal environmental laws during the permitting process and must redo major permits, in response to a lawsuit filed by environmentalists.
Denver Water had requested the judge to allow dam construction to continue while they appeal her decision, citing potential harm from halting the project, including safety risks, layoffs of construction workers, additional costs, and increased water shortage risks. However, Arguello denied the request to continue construction during the appeal but granted the 14-day stay on her order blocking all construction.
After a hearing to be scheduled, the judge will decide how much more construction to allow to ensure the existing dam’s structural soundness. This decision will have significant implications for Denver Water and its ratepayers. Stay updated on this developing story from our partners at The Denver Post.
