To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Gini Pingenot, Director, Open Spaces
Prepared By:
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Michele Frishman, Grants & Acquisition Manager, Open Spaces
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presenter
Presenter: Michele Frishman, Grants & Acquisition Manager, Open Spaces, and John Christofferson, Deputy County Attorney
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Subject:
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1:30 PM *Update on the High Line Canal Acquisition
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
Staff will present an informational update for the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on the planned acquisition of portions of the High Line Canal. No BOCC action is requested at this time.
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Background and Discussion: Arapahoe County is working with Denver Water and the High Line Canal Conservancy (Conservancy) to take ownership of approximately 47 miles of the 71-mile canal corridor including sections in Arapahoe, Denver, and Adams Counties. As part of its conveyance, Denver Water will reserve the right to continue to use the canal for water works purposes, and it will protect the property's conservation values through a conservation easement granted to the Conservancy. During the transition period through December 31, 2026, Denver Water will perform certain maintenance work to elevate the condition of the property, and Arapahoe County will begin to take over property management responsibilities from Denver Water.
Closing on the acquisition is expected to be extended to June 13, 2024, pursuant to a pending amendment to our acquisition agreement. As we work toward closing, several negotiations and tasks are in progress.
OS staff will provide updates on the following items as well as other topics deemed appropriate:
1.) Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Denver Water - This IGA will govern each party's responsibilities pertaining to use and maintenance of the High Line Canal property acquired by Arapahoe County. This agreement must be approved prior to closing.
2.) Conservation Easement and Stewardship Procedures - We contin...
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