Public Infrastructure, Facilities and Services
The Town of Bennett provides water supply, treatment and delivery; waste water treatment and recycling; storm water management; street maintenance; a system of parks, trails and open space; and other community facilities. The Town is planning for future growth and development through its innovative Capital Asset Inventory Master Plan (CAIMP). In recent years, the town has completed $28 million of capital construction and improvements. This includes a new waste water treatment facility, a new elevated water storage tank and new town hall. These projects enhanced the Town’s ability to serve existing and new development, while increasing reliability, efficiency and quality of the Town’s municipal services.
Water Supply
The Town’s water supply comes from four Denver Basin aquifers underlying the Town. Considering all aquifers, the Town has a total of 2989.27 acre feet of water rights. The system includes five storage tanks with a storage volume over 1.5 million gallons. As new land projects are approved and developed, additional water storage in incorporated into the subdivision agreements to assure new development pays its own way.
In addition, the Town recently completed construction of a new sanitary sewer treatment facility known as the Water Resource Recovery Facility. This state-of-the art approach to sanitary sewer treatment results in recycled water quality for outdoor irrigation of existing and new parkland. Some homebuilders are planning on installing a separate delivery system of outdoor irrigation water at reduced rates. Use of such recycled water reduces the demand for potable water. Finally, the Town is completing negotiations for a renewable water resource, that will result in a three-part water portfolio of groundwater, renewable water and recycled water.
Waste Water Treatment
The new state-of-the-art sanitary sewer treatment facility known as the Water Resource Recovery Facility, and mentioned above, came online in November in 2018 and was fully-functional in January 2019.
Street and Highways
The Town maintains a network of local and collector streets. Following voter approval of the street improvement sales tax increase in November 2015, streets in many neighborhoods were repaired or completely reconstructed. As new residential and commercial development comes online, the Town enters into subdivision agreements to assure new roads are constructed to accommodate that growth. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) maintains Interstate 70, U.S. Highway 36 (Colfax) and CO State Highway 79.
Parks, Trails and Open Space
Parks, trails, open spaces, and recreation opportunities are a vital component of any community. In the Town of Bennett, the established parks and trails have a significant role. They provide memorable places for community gatherings such as Bennett Days, opportunities for families to come together, and they create connections for bicycle and pedestrian travel around town. In 2019, the Town completed the Parks, Trails & Open Space Master Plan. The plan will guide future decisions for the location and funding of new parks, trails and open space projects.
New Town Hall
The Town of Bennett moved into a new Town Hall in April 2018. This modern facility has significantly improved the availability and efficiency of town staff. Previously, employees were working out of three different buildings. The new Town Hall now serves as a central location for employees and residents. The 8,200 square-foot building allows for improved services and communication for residents whether they are trying to pay their water bill, obtain a permit, or attend a town board meeting. The space has room for future growth and was constructed with energy efficiency as a primary focus.
Other Public Services & Utilities
In addition to the public infrastructure and services provided by the Town, public services and utilities including fire rescue, electric, gas and telecommunications are provided by our partners.
Bennett-Watkins Fire Rescue
Bennett-Watkins Fire Rescue currently provides All-Hazard response to a service area covering approximately 325 square miles, operating out of 2 fully staffed stations, providing 24/7 coverage, an Administrative Building which houses our Administrative Staff including the Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief, and Fire Chief, and a Maintenance Facility.
Bennett-Watkins Fire Rescue is a combination department with a total membership of around 70 personnel, comprised of volunteer members and career staff. Bennett-Watkins Fire Rescue responds to over 1000 calls for service annually.
CORE Electric Cooperative
CORE Electric Cooperative serves more than 165,000 members along Colorado’s Front Range. Our nearly 5,000-square-mile service area includes portions of 11 counties to the east, west and south of Denver. CORE has a district office located in Bennett as well as headquarters is located in Sedalia, about 20 miles south of Denver, and other district offices in Conifer and Woodland Park.
Colorado Natural Gas
As an energy provider, socially responsible business and a good neighbor, Colorado Natural Gas is committed to being a partner in building a sustainable energy future in the communities they serve. Colorado Natural Gas has partnered with local weatherization and low-income assistance providers to assist our customers who need a little extra help.
Telecommunications
High-speed broadband internet and phone service is provided by Eastern Slope Technologies. Comcast also serves a portion of the town. Wireless carriers include, but are not limited to Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T.