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Council approves $1.5 million supplemental appropriation for Oak Street stormwater project on first reading
Summary
The council approved, on first reading, an ordinance appropriating an additional $1.5 million from stormwater reserves to fund the Oak Street stormwater project, which will extend the downtown storm system and reduce flood risk; staff and commissioners described project progress, costs, and risks.
On April 15 the Fort Collins City Council approved first reading of Ordinance No. 73 2025, authorizing a supplemental appropriation of $1,500,000 from stormwater reserves to the Oak Street stormwater project and related Art in Public Places expenses.
City water and stormwater staff presented progress reports showing the downtown Oak Street project began in July 2024, has completed about four blocks and two of three planned tunnels, and has installed more than 2,000 feet of storm line pipe. Project expenditures to date were cited at $41,540,000 with a remaining balance of about $1,300,000 before accounting for known future expenses (staff presentation, Heather McDowell and Nicole Poncelet Johnson, 04/15/2025).
Project staff described additional near-term expenses for professional services and temporary construction easements totaling roughly $2,130,000, and enumerated tracked pending issues amounting to about $119,000. Staff requested the $1,500,000 appropriation to return the project to a modest positive balance and to provide a 1.5% contingency for remaining work (Heather McDowell, project presentation, 04/15/2025).
Council debate acknowledged the project's scale and progress. Council Member Olson asked for clarification of expenditure figures; staff explained the construction contract is about $36 million and that design and preconstruction work accounted for additional costs. Multiple council members praised staff and said they would support the appropriation.
Council Member Pignataro moved approval on first reading and Council Member Olson seconded. The roll call recorded four "yes" votes—Francis, Olsen, Pat Yandy and Pignataro—and the motion passed 4–0 on first reading. Staff said the contingency for the project is relatively low but that higher costs remain possible; staff noted the riskier tunneling components are already complete.
