For the past three decades, SGM has specialized in providing engineering solutions for mountain, resort and rural communities in Western Colorado. In 2015 SGM merged with Durango-based Bikis Water Consultants to better serve the engineering needs of clients in the Four Corners region, and deliver additional water resources and environmental services to our clients across Colorado and beyond. Durango has proven to be a great fit for our expanding company.
Durango is home to adventurous types who enjoy a year-round, outdoor lifestyle, and our Durango staff of eight is no exception, taking advantage of hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, and skiing in this riparian valley. The Durango office overlooks the Animas River Trail, a seven-mile long, paved path that winds its way along the river and through the heart of the city, allowing staff members to take advantage of the easy bike commute in all seasons.
Since its inception by Eric Bikis in 2006, Bikis has developed a reputation for excellence, completing water resources projects that have benefited private individuals, water districts, ski resorts, municipalities, state and federal agencies, and Native American Tribal communities, including several projects for the City of Durango. Accessibility to water is always an issue in the dry southwest and Bikis has consulted on several reservoir projects to improve availability for this critical resource. Lake Nighthorse, a reservoir with a water surface area of about 1,500 acres, was completed in 2009 and stores around 120,000 acre-feet of water. More recently, the Bobby K. Taylor (BKT) Reservoir and Long Hollow Dam was completed in fall 2014. Although quite a bit smaller (storing around 5,600 acre-feet of water), the BKT Reservoir will have a large impact on the ability of local Colorado irrigators to store and use water before it must be legally delivered to New Mexico.
Durango native and civil engineer Andrew Rapiejko joined the office a year ago, providing a local presence for SGM’s full suite of engineering and consulting services. Andrew considers himself quite fortunate to be raised in Durango and find his way back. Indeed, the entire staff is energized by opportunities to contribute to the responsible growth of southwestern Colorado, whether securing water rights, designing infrastructure improvements for local municipalities, or ensuring environmental resources are protected for future generations to enjoy.
