A significant development in Fort Collins’ water storage strategy and the importance of regional collaboration.
On October 20, the Fort Collins City Council voted to withdraw the City’s Halligan Reservoir Expansion Section 404 permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Council also voted to enter into an interim agreement with Northern Water that would allow the City to store water in the soon-to-be-constructed Glade Reservoir.
As longtime advocates for water storage solutions that serve all of Northern Colorado’s water partners, we were thrilled to see Council take this bold, environmentally thoughtful and fiscally responsible step. The decision to move away from the Halligan Reservoir expansion and pursue alternative storage solutions represents an important development in our region’s ongoing conversations about water.
Tonight, November 3, City Council is scheduled to consider these actions on second reading.
We encourage Chamber members to make their voices heard, engage with City Council and express their appreciation for the thoughtful work involved in addressing this complex issue.
As we continue advocating for smart water solutions throughout Northern Colorado, we invite you to revisit the following letter outlining the Chamber’s perspective on this important regional priority.
Letter to Fort Collins City Council
October 19, 2026
Fort Collins City Council
Mayor Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Pignataro, and
Council Members Conway, Fudge, Potyondy, Hoeven and Nelsen
300 Laporte Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Mayor Francis and Members of Council:
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce strongly endorses your approval of Resolutions 2026-119 and 2026-120 along with Ordinance 146, 2026, as recommended by staff. With much greater clarity and firm analysis of available options, engaging regional partners in a collective effort to protect a critical resource for future generations of our community is tailor-made for this Council.
In joining with Northern Water and the nine participating water providers to implement the initial phase of Northern Integrated Supply Project, residents and rate payers will recognize superior outcomes.
In support of reconsidering the replacement of Halligan Dam in favor of utilizing Glade Reservoir for additional storage capacity, we offer the following business case. Glade Reservoir offers:
- Substantially lower regulatory and legal risks, which facilitates a more predictable delivery timeline.
- A shorter timeline, which improves cost certainty.
- Significantly lower costs, which translates to lower water utility rates with greater integrity of future fee and rate projections.
- More comprehensive monitoring of regional water quality and environmental conditions.
- More supply capacity to respond to climate dynamics and future demand.
In considering the priorities established by this council, the resolutions and ordinance before you are aligned. Recognizing a “do nothing” option is impractical, Glade Reservoir is faster, more affordable, more predictable, minimizes adverse environmental impacts and promotes regional collaboration that reflect shared values.
The Northern Integrated Supply Project enjoys enthusiastic support from the Chamber and its business members, and we look forward to counting the City of Fort Collins as signature participant in this important endeavor.
Sincerely,
Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
Ann Hutchison, CAE
President & CEO
Northern Colorado’s water future depends on thoughtful planning, responsible investment and strong regional partnerships.
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to engaging with community leaders and advocating for solutions that support our region’s long-term economic vitality and quality of life.