There are a number of important reasons why this is the right time
to build SDS, a critical project that will provide us reliability
for our water supply today and an abundant supply well into the
future. Here’s why it’s important to build SDS now.
Reliable, Long-Term Water Supply
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Our future depends on having a reliable water
supply. SDS will meet our community’s water needs for
decades to come. |
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SDS will provide reliability to our current
primary water system, which is more than 50 years old, and continue
uninterrupted water delivery when existing pipelines need extended
maintenance or repair. |
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The project will provide us additional access
to our water supply. Our current system is capacity constrained. |
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With or without SDS, Colorado Springs and
surrounding communities will continue to grow. Half of that
growth will come from the children and grandchildren of those
of us living here now. |
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Additional local water storage provided by
SDS will help protect our community
against future drought — an important consideration for
our drought-prone, semi-arid
region. |
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SDS makes use of valuable water rights owned
by the project partners. |
Economic Benefits
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The availability of water is critical to
retaining and attracting businesses to the region. |
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SDS puts us in the position to welcome new
businesses – and support military
expansion plans – with the assurance we can provide for
their long-term needs. |
| • |
With the economic downturn, prices now are
optimal for goods and services.
Contractors and vendors are eager for the opportunities made
available by SDS
construction. |
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Customers will benefit from lower interest
rates. Now is an optimal time to borrow
money before inflation sets in. |
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SDS is the least expensive of all alternatives
studied. Without SDS, we would be
forced to pursue other more expensive alternatives to supply
water, without the long-term
benefits of SDS. |
Limited Window of Opportunity
| • |
Critical permits and the Environmental Impact
Statement for SDS are valid for a
limited time period. Delays would put these valuable permits
and approvals at risk. |
| • |
It’s taken more than a decade to plan,
study, permit, and gain approvals for this
project. It is unlikely this could be done again in today’s
political climate. |
| • |
The regulatory process for water projects
in our state is getting significantly more
challenging. If we fail to capitalize on this opportunity, we
aren’t certain we would get
a second chance. |
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