BERTHOUD — For the casual observer, it comes down to the math. How much is too much cost.

To proponents of the Northern Integrated Supply Project, it’s still about the water that will be made available to thirsty, growing communities of Northern Colorado.

A project first envisioned in 2003 and projected to cost $350 million will now begin construction in 2026, but its price tag has escalated 671% to $2.7 billion.

NISP includes two new reservoirs: Glade Reservoir northwest of Fort Collins that will require the relocation of U.S. 287, and Galeton Reservoir northeast of Greeley. It also includes pipelines and pumping stations to move water from the Poudre River into the reservoirs, and then back out to end users in its 15 partner entities.

The project will make available up to 40,000 acre

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