Earlier this summer, the full House Appropriations Committee passed a bill including $1,750,000 for a project that will help water providers in Douglas County improve drought resilience and meet high seasonal demand, making possible a big step forward in water sustainability for our community.
“We are pleased to see our hard work in Washington pay off for our citizens,” said Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon, Board Chair. “It is critically important to make sure their tax dollars come back home to Douglas County.”
On Tuesday, July 22, the full House Appropriations Committee passed a bill including $1,750,000 for a project that will help water providers in Douglas County improve drought resilience and meet high seasonal demand, making possible a big step forward in water sustainability for our community.
The Plum Creek to Rueter-Hess Reservoir Pipeline project includes construction of a transmission pipeline and pump station to deliver water from Plum Creek in Castle Rock to the Rueter-Hess Reservoir in Parker. This pipeline will serve more than 200,000 residents and support Castle Rock’s goal to shift from non-renewable groundwater to a more sustainable water supply.
“When the Board travels to Washington D.C., this is exactly the type of project we are hoping to make a priority to our federal legislators,” said Douglas County Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “This funding is a direct result of that advocacy, and I am excited to see it benefit our residents here in Douglas County.”
“As Douglas County thrives and grows, we know maintaining a healthy water supply is a primary concern for our residents,” said Douglas County Commissioner George Teal. “With this funding, we will be able to help ensure our community’s water supply for years to come.”
This funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Bill.
Each year, local governments can apply for funding through the offices of their Congressional Representative. In 2025, Douglas County requested and advocated for funding through Congresswoman Lauren Boebert for projects to improve water infrastructure and sustainability in our community.
As individual appropriations bills containing Douglas County’s funding requests are released by the Appropriations Committees and move through the process, Douglas County will continue to provide transparency and updates about these potential federal funds.