Next Steps For the COS Creek Plan

Project
Overview

In November 2022, Pikes Peak Waterways, the City of Colorado Springs, and Colorado Springs Utilities entered into a 20-year collaborative agreement to work collaboratively to complete a plan to restore the natural functions of Monument and Fountain creeks as they flow through Colorado Springs and south toward the Arkansas River Basin.

What’s Happening Now?

COS Creek Plan Feasibility Study

  • The project is currently in the planning phase and part of that includes the Ecosystem Restoration of Monument and Fountain Creek Section 203 Feasibility Study (COS Creek Plan Feasibility Study). This is the first step toward potentially receiving federal support.
  • The feasibility study aims to identify the best federal solutions for reducing flood risk and restoring ecosystem health.
  • The City of Colorado Springs is the non-federal sponsor of the study, operating in partnership with Pikes Peak Waterways and Colorado Springs Utilities.
  • The goal of the overarching study is to secure federal partnership and funding by 2028 to begin the design process.

Grant Support

Pikes Peak Waterways is pursuing several grants to support implementing the COS Creek Plan. These include support from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and a federal WaterSMART grant. These grants are independent of the 203 feasibility study. Once grant requirements are fulfilled, data may be shared with those conducting the study.

Timeline &
Upcoming Events

The study began in early 2026 and is expected to take about two years to complete. The goal is to secure Congressional authorization by 2028, enabling federal partnership and funding for implementation. Once authorized, projects could move into design and construction phases. Overall, the process will take several years.

June 3, 2026

Join us anytime between 5-7 p.m. There will be a short presentation from 5:15-5:30 p.m.

El Pomar Youth Sports Park
2212 Executive Circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80906

June 24, 2026

Location and time to be determined

July 15, 2026

Join us anytime between 5-7 p.m. There will be a short presentation from 5:15-5:30 p.m.

The Golden Hills Police Department Community Space
705 S. Nevada Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Can’t make it in person? An online feedback tool will be available June 3-July 15 to review the same information and allow opportunities to share your feedback on priorities and values as relates to the creeks.

Learn More

Partners and Collaborators

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

What is the COS Creek Plan Feasibility Study?

It’s a study that is part of the planning process, looking at what’s feasible to improve Monument and Fountain creeks. The study identifies the best solutions for restoring creek health, reducing flood risk, and creating better spaces for the community.

Section 203 is the pathway to making real creek improvements possible. It is the formal planning process required to advance a project toward federal funding and construction. This study is locally led but follows federal standards. Instead of waiting for the federal government to start the process, the City is moving faster by leading the study itself.

The study will:

  • Analyze current and future conditions of Monument and Fountain creeks, including flood risk, habitat, and infrastructure.
  • Develop and compare alternatives for restoration, flood management, recreation, and community improvements.
  • Identify a recommended plan (Tentatively Selected Plan [TSP]) that delivers the greatest overall benefit to the community and environment.
  • Meet federal environmental review requirements (National Environmental Policy Act [NEPA]) for transparency and environmental protection.

Right now, nothing physical—this is a study phase. But the outcomes will guide future improvements like:

  • Healthier creek ecosystems.
  • Flood risk reduction.
  • Public safety.
  • Increased economic vitality.
  • Better trails, parks, and access points.
  • Attend a public open house.
  • Submit feedback via our online feedback tool.
  • Join the mailing list for updates.

This project will affect:

  • Flood risk reduction
  • Ecosystem uplift
  • Water quality
  • Future development and neighborhood improvements
  • Parks and recreation