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Larimer County says federal grant will fund $15 million pavement work at Carter Lake and Horsetooth; project ahead of schedule
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Summary
Staff told commissioners a multi-part pavement project funded by a mix of Central Federal Lands funding, Bureau of Reclamation and county dollars totals about $15 million, covers eight project areas at Carter Lake and Horsetooth, and is running roughly 18 months ahead of an earlier schedule with most paving expected before the summer season.
Dalen Figgs, speaking for Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, updated commissioners on April 20 about a multi-component pavement project at Carter Lake and Horsetooth that the county is executing with Central Federal Lands and other partners.
Figgs said the project originated in the 2017 master plan for reservoir parks, with the county applying for grant funds in 2019 and receiving funding in 2020. The project is largely grant-funded: Figgs cited about $11,000,000 from a Central Federal Lands allocation, $1,000,000 to the Bureau of Reclamation, and $3,000,000 of county funds — together characterized in the meeting as a roughly $15,000,000 package supporting the work.
Project components cover eight pieces across the reservoir system, Figgs said: a new left-turn lane on County Road 31 leading to a new parking lot at Carter Lake; access and parking improvements at Eagle Campground and Corey's day-use area; conversion of the Big Thompson day-use area from camping to day use and North Pines access-road and parking improvements at Carter; and Inlet Bay parking, South Bay access road and a turn lane on County Road 38E at Horsetooth. Figgs said physical work began in June 2025 and that a combination of scheduling choices has put the project about 18 months ahead of the original timeline, with most paving expected before Memorial Day and only limited disruptions to visitors.
Figgs emphasized Central Federal Lands is the project sponsor and manager performing much of the work on behalf of the county; she said the project has remained on budget and that closures have been limited to rolling, short-term impacts. Corey Johnston described the county's communication approach: public notices, monthly newsletter updates when warranted, trailhead signs and social media, and a project page reachable through the county engagement website for members of the public who want updates or to submit questions.
Commissioners asked about correspondence from concerned residents; staff said they would respond to specific emails and that Commissioner Kefalas would be copied on replies. Figgs and staff asked the public to consult larimer.gov/naturalresources for project status and timelines.
