Stimulus money granted to the Colorado-Big Thompson project will not be used to study water quality in Grand County’s Three Lakes, according to a May 1 letter to the county from Bureau of Reclamation Area Manager Michael Collins.

The BuRec informed Grand County officials that it is unable to fulfill the county’s request. The county had asked that about $100,000 or more out of a $14 million stimulus grant be directed to a Colorado Big Thompson Project study that would launch finding a solution to Grand Lake’s water-clarity problems.

“Priority was given to the acceleration of construction projects already under way and to finding large-scale construction projects that will generate the greatest number of jobs,” Collins’ letter reads. “Unfortunately, a Three Lakes Water Quality appraisal study does not meet ARRA’s funding criteria.”

The bulk of C-BT funds will be used to refurbish penstocks located west of Loveland.

Since receiving this letter, county commissioners have offered up half of the amount needed — about $50,000 — to get the Bureau water-quality appraisal started and is looking for funding partners for the rest.

— Tonya Bina can be reached at 887-3334 ext. 19603 or e-mail tbina@skyhidailynews.com.