The city's Southern Delivery System is closing in on the finish line of early 2016 when the pipeline from Pueblo Reservoir will deliver water to Colorado Springs and other locals, including Fountain and Pueblo West.
So it was a bit surprising to see an item onTuesday's City Council agenda for land acquisition for the pipeline on Bradley Road. The item seeks Council approval to pay $253,000 for 39 acres owned by Jennifer Enriques, property the El Paso County Assessor says is worth $159,295, or 58 percent less than Utilities will pay.
A photo of what the city is buying is to the right.
Colorado Springs Utilities' pipeline is coming in under budget but still approaches $1 billion, without financing costs. Enriques is far from the biggest recipient of cash for their land. Gary Walker probably qualifies as that landowner.