Greeley Water Project Delayed Due to D.C. Debate

Funding for Colorado pipeline project caught in immigration enforcement dispute

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A $21 million project to build a pipeline connecting Greeley, Colorado's two water sources and improve the city's water resilience is currently on hold due to a dispute in Congress over immigration enforcement funding. The project, known as the Gold Hill Pipeline, has already secured $12 million in funding, but the remaining $9 million in federal funds has been stalled as some senators have voted against approving the Department of Homeland Security's budget, which includes the pipeline's FEMA grant.

Why it matters

Greeley's water system was severely impacted by the wildfires of 2020, which contaminated the city's two main water sources. The Gold Hill Pipeline was designed to provide a backup connection between the two sources, ensuring a reliable supply of clean drinking water even during natural disasters. The delay in funding is leaving Greeley vulnerable to potential future water crises.

The details

The Gold Hill Pipeline project would connect Greeley's two water stations, allowing water from either the Poudre or Big Thompson rivers to be exchanged throughout the city's system. This $21 million project was expected to be completed by summer 2026, ahead of the next wildfire season. Greeley has already secured $12 million in funding, but the remaining $9 million in federal funds has been held up due to a dispute over immigration enforcement funding under the Department of Homeland Security's budget.

  • The 2020 Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires severely impacted Greeley's water sources.
  • The current 2026 winter season has featured over 30 days above 60 degrees, raising concerns about another severe wildfire season.
  • Greeley was aiming to have the Gold Hill Pipeline project completed by summer 2026 to be ready for the next wildfire season.

The players

Sean Chambers

Greeley's Director of Water and Sewer Utilities.

Gabe Evans

Republican Congressman representing Colorado's 8th Congressional District.

Michael Bennet

Democratic U.S. Senator for Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“We never expected the wildfire season we had in 2020, and they tend to follow big drought years.”

— Sean Chambers, Greeley's Director of Water and Sewer Utilities (cbsnews.com)

“We thought it to be almost untouchable in resiliency terms.”

— Sean Chambers, Greeley's Director of Water and Sewer Utilities (cbsnews.com)

“We see water as a really non-partisan non-political issue. It is fundamental to the quality of life and the economy of all Coloradans.”

— Sean Chambers, Greeley's Director of Water and Sewer Utilities (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Senate must approve the Department of Homeland Security's budget, which includes the $9 million in FEMA funding for the Gold Hill Pipeline project, in order for the project to move forward.

The takeaway

This story highlights how political gridlock in Washington can have real impacts on critical infrastructure projects at the local level. The Gold Hill Pipeline is a non-partisan effort to improve water resilience, yet it has become entangled in a dispute over immigration enforcement funding. This underscores the need for lawmakers to put aside partisan differences and focus on addressing the fundamental needs of their constituents.