JHL Kelley JV Awarded Monument Reservoir Project for Ute Water Conservancy District
Grand Junction, Colorado — JHL Kelley JV is proud to announce the award of the Monument Reservoir Project for the Ute Water Conservancy District, marking a significant investment in the long-term water security of Colorado’s Grand Valley region.
The project is located on the top of the Grand Mesa at an elevation of approximately 10,270 feet and represents a rare milestone in modern water infrastructure. High-elevation reservoir construction at this scale has been largely absent in the United States for the last 50 years due to the environmental, logistical, and engineering complexity associated with remote alpine construction.
The Monument Reservoir Project will replace and expand the existing Monument Reservoir #1, increasing storage capacity from approximately 570 acre-feet to approximately 6,000 acre-feet. The expanded reservoir will enhance municipal water storage and improve system reliability for communities served by the Ute Water Conservancy District throughout the Grand Valley.
As regional water demand in Western Colorado continues to grow, the need for resilient and adaptable infrastructure has become increasingly critical. By capturing and storing water at high elevation on the Grand Mesa, the project will strengthen drought resilience, improve operational flexibility, and support long-term supply reliability for the region.
Due to its scale and remote location, the project is expected to be constructed over an estimated 4 to 5 year period. The work will require extensive coordination of seasonal access, materials logistics, and advanced engineering techniques suited to high-altitude conditions.
JHL Kelley JV is honored to partner with the Ute Water Conservancy District and RJH Consultants on this landmark effort, bringing together deep expertise in complex water infrastructure delivery to support successful project execution. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening critical infrastructure that serves the long-term needs of Western Colorado communities.
