Economic study reveals significant benefits from Denver Water project

Golden, Colo. — Jefferson County, Colo., is expected to yield nearly $67 million in economic benefit from nearly $208 million in construction and spending activities related to the North System Renewal (NSR) Project — a water infrastructure project that will modernize Denver Water’s north system, according to an economic impact study. Economic benefits for the Denver metro area (including Jefferson County) total $405 million, according to the report, “The Economic Benefits of Denver Water’s North System Renewal Project.”

Development Research Partners conducted the study, which was sponsored by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, the West Metro Chamber, the Metro North Chamber of Commerce, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Denver Water.

With an estimated cost of $600 million, North System Renewal is one of the biggest renovation projects in Denver Water history. Work includes installing an 8.5-mile water pipeline through Jefferson County, building the new Northwater Treatment Plant next to Ralston Reservoir in Golden and modifying the Moffat Treatment Plant in Lakewood. Tunneling activity for the new pipeline began in 2017, and pipeline installation is expected to continue through 2022. Construction of the Northwater Treatment Plant began in 2018, with completion slated for 2024.

“The North System Renewal Project is an investment in the future of Denver Water, our customers and the community. It will upgrade components of our system that have served our customers since the 1930s. Water connects us all in many ways, and we’re proud that our work will benefit our customers and community in Jefferson County and the Denver metro area,” said Bob Mahoney, Denver Water’s chief engineering officer.

Highlights from the report:

• NSR will generate $61.6 million in transactions with construction materials suppliers in metro Denver, including $10.2 million in Jefferson County.
• Soft costs of NSR, including project management, design and engineering will yield $105.8 million in contracts with metro Denver firms, including $25.4 million in Jefferson County.
• Approximately $7 million will be spent by transitory workers for lodging, including $2.8 million in Jefferson County.
• Project construction and associated spending will support an estimated 1,376 workers across the Denver area.

“Water and the necessary infrastructure investment support business development and contribute to economic growth, providing benefits to Jefferson County and metro Denver,” said Kristi Pollard, president and CEO of Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. “NSR construction not only provides large, short-term benefits, but will positively impact communities by increased spending in construction, retail, dining services, lodging and real estate.

Given construction of the project will affect homes, streets and business in north metro area, it’s good to see our communities will also derive benefit.”

See the complete report at https://www.denverwater.org/sites/default/files/north-system-renewal-economic-benefits.pdf.