Water is one of Northern Colorado’s most important resources, and decisions about how we manage it have lasting implications for our residents, businesses and future growth.
Tonight, October 20, the Fort Collins City Council, acting as the Water Utility Enterprise Board, will consider a significant change in the City’s approach to long-term water storage. Rather than continuing to pursue the expansion of Halligan Reservoir, City staff is recommending participation in the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP), which would provide storage capacity in the planned Glade Reservoir.
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce strongly supports this recommendation.
The City’s analysis points to substantial advantages, including lower projected costs, a more predictable timeline, reduced permitting uncertainty and additional water storage capacity. Just as importantly, this approach represents an opportunity for Fort Collins to work alongside regional partners to address a shared challenge.
On October 19, I sent the following letter to City Council on behalf of the Chamber, outlining our support for Resolutions 2026-119 and 2026-120 and Ordinance 146, 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
cc: Kelly DiMartino
Our community has invested considerable time and resources in evaluating its water storage needs. The recommendation before Council reflects new information, changing circumstances and a careful examination of the options available.
For the Chamber, the business case is clear. Reliable water infrastructure, responsible financial planning and regional cooperation are essential to maintaining the quality of life and economic vitality of Fort Collins.
We appreciate the work of City staff and Council in evaluating this important decision and encourage Council to approve the recommended resolutions and ordinance.
Ann Hutchison, CAE
President & CEO
Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
City Council Meeting | October 20, 2026
Council is scheduled to consider the water storage proposal at its October 20 meeting, beginning at 6 p.m.