PROJ00382

• Contract/PO #: C153685
• Contractor Name: Monument, Town of
• Contract Type: Loan
• Water District: 10
• County: El Paso
• Bill Number: SB 94-029
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

Monument Lake Dam Feasibility Study

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Chapter III - Background Information

A. Previous Studies

This study is based on the report prepared by Boyle entitled Monument Lake Dam
Feasibility Study which was completed in SepteItlber 1999. The study addressed the
rehabilitation options for the dam. The study was approved by the SEO on January 26, 2000. A
copy ofthe acceptance letter is presented in App~ndix A.

B. Project History

The Colorado State legislature authorized Monument Lake Project in 1891 to create flood

control and irrigation storage. The State constrU(;ted Monument Lake Dam between 1891 and

1893. Currently, it is used for recreational purpOses. There is some confusion surrounding the

ownership and the associated responsibility of the dam. In 1899, the General Assembly enacted a.

bill which provides that the Board of County COInmissioners in which a state reservoir is located

is responsible for controlling and maintaining W3,ter distribution as well as the repairs and

liability.

In 1937, the General Assembly conveyed the right, title, and interest of the 81 acres the

lake and dam are situated onto the Town. However, in transferring the ownership of the lands no

water or storage rights mentioned.

In 1992, the Division of Wildlife secured a lO-year lease for Monument Lake from the

Town for public access to fishing. At one time, they were interested in setting up a lease in

perpetuity for the rights to the lake. However, Without guarantees that the water level could be

maintained fairly constant, which could not be guaranteed without storage or water rights, it

appears that they have lost interest.

At this time, Colorado Springs utilities is not interested in guaranteeing water rights in

perpetuity to fill and maintain the reservoir because of future water obligations. Colorado Spring~i

and the Town have recently reached an agreemel1t to be renewed on an annual basis for supplying

sufficient water to fill and maintain the level in the reservoir and to continue the agreement.