Greeley to receive $8.6M FEMA grant for pipeline

GREELEY — A nearly $8.7 million pre-disaster mitigation grant to the city from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will help construct the Greeley’s Gold Hill Pipeline project.

The funding, announced Friday, was secured with help from U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., through a Community Directed Spending Request. The Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will administer the grant and distribute funds for the project.

The grant adds to the city’s $16 million investment in the Gold Hill pipeline. The full project is expected to cost $25 million.

The new 60-inch diameter pipeline will be built west of Colorado Highway 257 and will connect Greeley’s two treated water transmission systems, making Greeley’s water system more reliable and flexible.

The need for stronger water infrastructure became clear during events such as the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire, which affected water supplies and systems across Northern Colorado.

The new pipeline will help protect water service during emergencies such as wildfires and floods. It will also help the city respond to drought, water quality concerns or other events that may affect a treatment plant. Over time, the project may reduce operating costs for electricity and treatment chemicals, city officials say.

The pipeline will allow water from either treatment plant to reach all four of Greeley’s water pressure zones. If one plant must reduce or stop operations, the other plant can continue serving customers.

The project will also support nearby communities. Evans, Milliken, Garden City and Windsor receive some or all their water treatment service from Greeley. The new connection will improve Greeley’s ability to provide backup water service when needed.

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