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119-s-2754119th CongressWALLET

Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act

Sponsored By: Senator Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]

Passed Senate

Summary

Transfer of federal land and water rights to the City of Ouray for Crystal Reservoir and its associated dams, ditches, and infrastructure, with conditions that protect public access, wetlands, and dam safety. This bill directs the Forest Service to convey fee simple title and conveyable water rights while reserving certain easements and a reversionary interest.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Ouray gets reservoir, must keep it open

If enacted, the U.S. would transfer Crystal Reservoir land and related water rights to the City of Ouray soon after enactment. The City would have to keep the land as open space for public recreation, including fishing, with no access fee. Access would be limited only for safety, resource protection, emergencies, or dam and reservoir work, and a standing agreement would let the City take needed safety or emergency actions on mapped easements. Starting at transfer, the City would pay all dam‑safety, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and compliance costs for Full Moon Dam, Full Moon Ditch, and Reservoir No. 10. The City could not develop or run businesses there; only improvements for public access or dam‑safety needs would be allowed. The City would not be allowed to expand the reservoir’s surface at normal levels if that would harm upstream wetlands; deepening would be allowed if consistent with its water rights. The deed would reserve federal easements for existing roads, trails, and trailheads. The Secretary would pay most transfer costs; the City would pay for any needed surveys. If the City violates these terms and does not fix them within 90 days after written notice, the land could revert to the United States.

Permanent ditch easement for Ouray water

If enacted, the City of Ouray would get a permanent easement for the Red Mountain Ditch. The City would be able to divert up to 6 cubic feet per second for storage in Crystal Reservoir and later use, under Colorado water decrees. The easement would let the City access, operate, maintain, repair, replace, and improve the ditch and its parts. For non‑routine work, the Forest Service would be able to require temporary special use permits.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]

CO • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 9/10/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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