The city took a small step toward opening Lake Nighthorse Tuesday evening by beginning the annexation process.

The Durango City Council accepted a petition submitted by the Bureau of Reclamation to annex about 1,900 acres into city limits, and more public hearings are expected to take place this winter, ahead of the lake’s scheduled opening in April.

“I’m really excited about this, so stay tuned,” Councilor Sweetie Marbury said.

The city needs to annex the property so that Durango Police Department can patrol the area.

Several construction projects are also planned to happen over the winter.

The city has proposed spending $300,000 next year on a breakwater and a courtesy dock. A federal grant will pay for the overflow parking lot, which is in the design stage.

mshinn@ durangoherald.com