Alexandrea (Alex) Castino, Land and Project Manager

Department: Natural Resources and Engineering

Larimer County Natural Resources Open Lands Program embarked on an effort to conserve irrigated farmland in a more economical way through an innovative water sharing agreement, without the more damaging effects of traditional buy-and-dry used by growing cities.  Alex was instrumental in successfully achieving this complex, first-of-its-kind agreement with the City and County of Broomfield.

The project took place over the past two years and required daily engagement by Alex, extreme attention to detail, and effective project and team management.  Alex went above and beyond general expectations of what was needed to bring this project to fruition, while attending to her other job duties required by both Engineering and Natural Resources departments.

While working with Larimer County for just over three years as a land agent, Alex managed the project team like a pro.  She never backed away from the many challenges, and tackled them with gusto, professionalism and leadership. Her knowledge and skill as an attorney were invaluable when working with multiple attorneys (both in-house and external to Larimer County) in drafting and reviewing complex Intergovernmental Agreements, Rules for Interruptible Water Supply Agreements, and farm leases.

Her people skills were evident working on everything from team management, coordinating with over 11 other departments within Larimer County, negotiating in over 25 meetings with other government agencies, and multiple media requests and interviews regarding this ground-breaking project.

Through Alex's efforts, Larimer County saved 46 percent --- almost $4 million --- on the farm and water conservation project, creating the first-of-its-kind ag-to-municipal water sharing agreement, that can advance the conservation of more irrigated ag land while meeting the Colorado Water Plan goal of water sharing. Alex followed the direction of the 2015 Open Lands Master Plan in conserving a viable farm - thus providing good Customer Service; included citizen board members from both the Open Lands Advisory Board and the Agricultural Advisory Board on the core project team - Empowering People to Take Responsibility. Alex successfully sought and actively managed partnerships with funders such as the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Gates Family Foundation and the City and County of Broomfield, and collaborated with other pivotal groups in the water world such as Northern Water, Poudre Sharing Group and the South Platte Basin Roundtable to name a few - thus Cultivating Partnerships.  Finally, taking on these challenges and solving real problems that make a difference in our community is meaningful to Alex while making  Larimer County a fulfilling and enjoyable place to work!

With this overwhelmingly successful work performed by Alexandrea Castino on the Little Thompson Farm Water Sharing Project, we feel Alex is a worthy candidate for Employee of the Month for Larimer County!

Nominated by: Kerri Rollins & Charlie Johnson