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119-hr-5911119th Congress

Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act

Sponsored By: Representative Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]

Passed House

Summary

Transfers the Crystal Reservoir site and its associated water rights to the City of Ouray, Colorado. It would make the city responsible for the reservoir and dam while preserving public recreational access and federal access easements.

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  • City of Ouray: Would receive fee simple title to the Crystal Reservoir site, including about 45 acres around the reservoir, Full Moon Dam, Full Moon Ditch and Reservoir Number 10, and the associated water rights. The city must assume all costs for repairs, operation, maintenance, replacement, rehabilitation, and regulatory compliance for the dam and related infrastructure.
  • Residents and visitors: The federal land must be kept open in perpetuity for public recreation, including fishing, and the city may not charge a fee for access. New development and commercial activity are limited to work needed for dam safety, operations, maintenance, repair, replacement, or rehabilitation and related public safety needs.
  • Federal land management and water access: The United States keeps easements for roads and trails and a perpetual easement for the Red Mountain Ditch to support diversion and delivery of up to 6 cubic feet per second for storage and beneficial use. The conveyance is subject to other terms the Secretary deems appropriate and may revert to the United States if the city fails to comply after written notice and 90 days.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Ouray would own Crystal Reservoir and protect access

If enacted, the Forest Service would transfer Crystal Reservoir, Full Moon Dam, and about 45 acres to the City of Ouray. The City would also receive the United States water rights tied to the site. The City would have to pay all costs to run, repair, replace, and meet dam-safety rules. The land would be kept as open space and open for public recreation, including fishing, without charging a fee. The City could limit access only for safety, resource protection, emergencies, or dam work. The reservoir could not expand its normal surface to harm upstream wetlands, though deepening would be allowed under Colorado water law. Federal easements for existing roads and trails would remain, and after 90 days’ written notice the land could revert to the United States if the City breaks these terms. The federal government would pay most transfer costs; the City would pay for any needed surveys.

Permanent Red Mountain Ditch easement for Ouray

After the transfer, the City of Ouray would get a permanent easement for the Red Mountain Ditch. It would allow up to 6 cubic feet per second to be diverted to Crystal Reservoir for storage and use under Colorado decrees. The City would be able to access, operate, and maintain the ditch. The Secretary could require special permits for non‑routine repairs or improvements.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]

CO • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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