U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd has introduced legislation to transfer ownership of Crystal Reservoir from the U.S. Forest Service to the city of Ouray, identical to a Senate bill introduced in September, after weeks of uncertainty over his position on the issue.
Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper first introduced Senate legislation on Sept. 10.
Hurd introduced the House legislation on Tuesday. Hurd’s chief of staff, Nick Bayer, said Hurd’s team didn’t want to delay introducing the legislation, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, which is in its 35th day.
It’s been about a year since the city asked for Bennet’s help obtaining ownership of the reservoir, along with its dam, ditch and all infrastructure and associated water rights for free. This request came after the Forest Service drained the reservoir, citing concerns about the dam’s safety and liability. A public outcry resulted, from those who wanted the reservoir to be re-filled for a variety of reasons, including wildlife habitat, tourism, recreation and water resources.
If legislation becomes law, the city would repair, maintain and operate the reservoir and keep the area free and publicly accessible.
Since Bennet and Hickenlooper introduced the Senate bill, Hurd’s position wasn’t clear until after he made a visit to the reservoir last week. Supporters of the transfer spent weeks pushing for Hurd’s support, including launching an online petition, which urged people to call Hurd and ask him to co-sponsor the legislation.
Bayer told the Plaindealer last week that the Grand Junction Republican had been in favor of the transfer, and his staff in Washington, D.C. was working on legislation. His support wasn’t confirmed until the congressman met with a handful of public officials at the site on Oct. 29.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, center, walks along the trail on the top of the Full Moon Dam at Crystal Reservoir during a visit with a handful of public officials on Oct. 29. At left is Ouray County Sheriff Justin Perry and at right is Ouray Mayor Ethan Funk.
Photo courtesy U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd’s office
“This is a common-sense solution that puts control in the hands of the people who depend on the reservoir the most, without shifting cost or liability to taxpayers,” Bayer told the Plaindealer in a written statement.
The Oct. 29 meeting included Ouray Mayor Ethan Funk, City Councilor Tamara Gulde, City Administrator Michelle Metteer, Public Works Director Joe Coleman, Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett and Ouray County Sheriff Justin Perry.
Until that meeting, Funk said the city only received word that Hurd was considering the proposal but was not sold on the issue.
Funk said the congressman spent most of the site visit with local officials asking about how he could support legislation.
“It seemed like he was actually planning, legitimately, how he should go about supporting this on the other side of the Congress,” Funk said.
“I’m just glad to finally have him on board on this. It’s a project that is a no-brainer,” he said. “Everyone, except for a random citizen or two, is behind this. And an endless number of organizations in the area, environmental, water rights and citizen groups are all behind it.”
The mayor also emphasized the resource will remain public.
“This is a transfer from one government entity to another. So the public isn’t losing land. It’s still public land,” Funk said.
Bayer said Hurd’s staff will reach out to potential additional sponsors now that the bill has been introduced.
Lia Salvatierra is a journalist with Report for America, a nonprofit organization that boosts reporting resources in underserved areas. To make a tax-deductible donation to help sustain local reporting, click here.
