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Opponents Seek Judge's Halt on Gross Dam Expansion Due to Catastrophic Impact

2024-12-09

Denver Water's ambitious $531 million Gross Dam expansion in Boulder County has become a hotly contested legal matter. Opponents have been fighting against this project for years, and now the situation has reached a critical stage. With negotiations failing to reach a remedy for the illegal permit and both sides presenting their proposed solutions to the federal judge, the future of this controversial dam expansion hangs in the balance.

The Battle for Boulder County's Water Future

Opponents' Stance and Demands

Save the Colorado and an environmental coalition have been at the forefront of efforts to halt Denver Water's expansion. They believe that the project violates various environmental laws and has significant negative impacts on the local ecosystem. In their Friday remedy brief, they argue that the mitigations agreed upon during negotiations should continue, but construction of the dam itself should be halted. They claim that the glaring errors in the Army Corps' permitting processes, such as a flawed project purpose and an inadequate look at climate change, are serious defects that cannot be ignored. Environmental damage, they warn, would be "catastrophic," with the massive construction project killing 500,000 trees, destroying recreation areas and hiking trails, and displacing wildlife.

They emphasize that these irreversible harms are of immense magnitude and that an injunction is necessary to give effect to the court's findings. "By definition, these harms are irreparable, and Petitioners are entitled to an injunction," they state.

Denver Water's Perspective and Concerns

Denver Water, on the other hand, argues that the district court has no jurisdiction over the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which has ordered Denver to finish the dam and its mitigations by 2027. They claim that failure to comply with the FERC order could result in license loss, civil penalties, or criminal prosecution.

While the dam expansion is currently 60% complete, halting construction could stress temporary bolting and other measures used to hold back rock during the construction of the stronger and larger dam. Denver Water also emphasizes that they have been working for decades to obtain permits for this construction, arguing that new storage is needed in Boulder County to serve northern metro communities and balance their system.

The Impact on the Local Environment

Neighbors of Gross Reservoir have witnessed major changes to their local forests due to both tree thinning and shore-clearing for the impending rise in water as the dam is raised. Areas that have been previously thinned with prescribed fires are now visible from the Forsythe Canyon Trail in Nederland.

The higher dam will more than double the holding capacity of Gross Reservoir, but at the cost of flooding surrounding forest land. This has raised concerns among local residents and environmental groups about the long-term environmental impacts of the project.

The Legal Battle and Next Steps

The judge had given the parties until Friday night to privately negotiate mitigation for the illegal permit, and will now consider each side's proposed remedies. Save the Colorado said negotiations "may" continue while the judge takes the next steps. Denver Water declined to comment.

As the legal battle continues, the fate of Denver Water's Gross Dam expansion remains uncertain. The outcome will have significant implications for the local environment, communities, and the balance of water resources in the region.

Graycor, based in Oakland Terrace, Illinois, has made a significant leadership change. A Dec. 3 news release announced that Dave Wing has been tapped as the company's new CEO. Prior to this appointment, Wing served as the president and chief operating officer for five years.

Graycor's New CEO - A Milestone in Company History

Wing's Early Days at Graycor

Dave Wing first started working with Graycor in 1991 as a project engineer. Over the course of his 33-year tenure, he was promoted several times. His journey within the company showcases his dedication and growth. He began at the grassroots level and worked his way up through the ranks, demonstrating his capabilities and earning the trust of the organization.During his early years, Wing was exposed to various aspects of the construction business. He gained valuable hands-on experience that laid the foundation for his future success. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident from the start, setting him apart from his peers.

Wing's Recent Role and Achievements

In his most recent position as COO, Wing focused on short- and long-term strategic planning. He understood the importance of having a clear vision for the company's future and worked tirelessly to develop strategies that would drive growth and success. His efforts in developing a talent pipeline were crucial in ensuring the company's continued success. By identifying and nurturing young talent, Graycor is well-positioned for the future.Wing also introduced strategies to improve management practices and introduce efficiencies. His focus on operational excellence led to significant improvements in the company's processes and bottom line. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in Graycor's growth and development.

The Significance of Wing's Appointment

Wing's appointment as CEO carries a historically significant milestone for Graycor. He is the first CEO who is not a member of the Gray family, which founded the company in 1921. This marks a new era for Graycor, one that is focused on innovation and growth.Under Wing's leadership, Graycor is aiming to reach $1 billion in revenue. This is a bold goal, but one that is within reach with his leadership and the team's expertise. His appointment is a sign of the company's confidence in his abilities and his vision for the future.Graycor provides construction-manager at-risk, self-perform, and design-build services across various sectors, including education, healthcare, manufacturing, gas infrastructure, and corporate builds. With Wing at the helm, the company is well-positioned to continue to expand and succeed in these markets.Graycor was ranked No. 231 on Engineering News-Record's list of the top 400 contractors in the nation by revenue. In 2023, it reported $538.3 million in revenue, a testament to the company's success under previous leadership. With Wing's leadership, the company is poised to take the next step in its growth journey.

In the year 2000, Fairbanks embarked on a remarkable journey into a new century and era. The once-dominant shabby dive bars in downtown Fairbanks began to fade away, making way for a modern skyline. The construction of the Rabinowitz Courthouse, the Marriott SpringHill Suites Hotel, the Doyon Building, and other structures brought about a rapid transformation. This article delves into the details of these changes and how Fairbanks coped with the growing pains.

Witnessing Fairbanks' Metamorphosis

Construction Spree in Fairbanks

In 2000, Fairbanks witnessed a flurry of construction activities. The bare concrete towers overlooking the river symbolized the arrival of a new bustling era. Decade-old visions of revitalizing downtown were finally taking shape. A spacious new courthouse, a grand hotel, and the fabled municipal parking lot were all in the works. This progress showcased the community's vitality at the millennium.However, there were growing pains. Parking in the core area became a scarce commodity as construction crews hit their stride. But the Downtown Association of Fairbanks took proactive measures. A special committee identified public parking alternatives, including the use of the city's lot across from the Post Office. A map showing potential parking areas was in the making, ensuring that visitors would have easy access.The association also reached out to construction contractors and employers, encouraging workers to park outside the core area. Alaskaland's huge lot emerged as a solution for parking shortages. There was an effort to start a free shuttle service, and one proposal even called for a 50-seat horse-drawn carriage. While it might not be popular with commuters, visitors would surely enjoy the free horse rides.Sadler's Home Furnishing was approached about opening a portion of its lot for public use. The expected May opening of the new store coincided with the tourist season, providing a convenient option for shoppers and downtown employees.The only long-term solution was the city's proposed 350-space parking facility. An additional $800,000 was needed from the state to start construction this season. Lawmakers blamed city officials for the omission of the funding, but the project was too important to delay. Completing the package on schedule was crucial to support the businesses that had shown courage in investing during the years of decline.

Demolition and Rebuilding

Dale Himebauch lived out every 5-year-old boy's dream as he operated the excavator, tearing down the buildings at the corner of Second Avenue and Cushman Street. In just over two hours, he turned a significant portion of the building into rubble. He deftly used the excavator's "thumb" to rip apart the lumber, paneling, wiring, and pipes, transforming them into tinder.The demolition was a part of the rapid change in the downtown area. In addition to the 140-room Marriott SpringHill Suites Hotel, a new Doyon, Ltd. Building was under construction and set to open soon. A new courthouse was taking shape, and a parking garage was in the works. Even the old Pioneer Hotel, just a few blocks away, was likely to be torn down this year.Doug O'Neill and Tim Staton, business owners across the street, had seen the skyline change several times over the past two decades. They were excited about the new developments but were concerned about parking for the next year. They believed that the increased foot traffic downtown would bring more business, although the new structures were not primarily geared towards tourists.O'Neill said, "I don't know if we'll get tourists, but I think we're going to see businessmen and lawyers. It's real handy to have it in the center of downtown and open year-round. It won't shut down in the winter."Note: It is hard to believe today that such extensive construction took place in such a short time. That same year, Gov. Tony Knowles asked for a $145 million increase in the State's general fund spending, with a significant portion allocated to capital projects and education.