
After more than 20 years, the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) has cleared a final litigation hurdle and can accelerate already-begun construction.
In 2005, Ciruli Associates conducted the first of several opinion surveys in the NISP service area of Larimer, northern Boulder, Weld, and Morgan counties. The public was highly supportive of the project and its goals of securing water for the municipalities and other providers.
Today, the project is estimated to cost $2 billion, paid for by water users. In 2005, the estimated cost was less than half a billion dollars. The inflation cost of construction delay, environmental studies, mitigation, and finally litigation more than tripled the budget.
To the extent project delays are reduced, the federal government would be doing a great service for citizens in arid regions. But for now, congratulations to the many water leaders and managers that brought this project to this successful point. All of Colorado can celebrate as another water project joins the list of successful projects completed in the 21st century.

RELATED:
Congratulations to Northern Water Dec 20, 2022
Protecting Colorado’s Water Jan 6, 2022