Colorado Water

Over the years, the Mesa County Commissioners have demonstrated a consistent commitment to preserving and enhancing water infrastructure, addressing environmental threats, and ensuring sustainable water management for the community. Their actions have included financial investments such as a $1 million contribution to protect the Shoshone water rights, critical for Colorado River flows, and leveraging American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support De Beque’s water treatment facility. They have supported various grant applications and projects, such as upgrades to the Orchard Mesa Check Infrastructure, the Grand Valley Water Users’ Headworks, and efforts to establish secondary water sources. Additionally, the Commissioners have taken proactive steps to combat invasive species like zebra mussels in the Colorado River and Highline Canal by collaborating with local organizations and raising awareness. These initiatives reflect a strategic focus on safeguarding water resources, upgrading aging infrastructure, and ensuring water security for future generations.

Important Water Related Issues facing Mesa County

• Shoshone Water Right Preservation
• Colorado River Compact
• Stormwater Management
• Waters of the United States
• Reg. 87- Colorado Dredge and Fill Program

1. September 6, 2022: The Board submitted a letter to the Colorado River District’s Community Funding Partnership, supporting the Orchard Mesa Check Infrastructure Improvements Project. The project aims to line 1,450 linear feet of earthen channel within the Orchard Mesa Check and implement actuated gates and sensors. 
    
2. January 17, 2023: The Commissioners signed a letter to the Colorado River District supporting the Grand Valley River Corridor Initiative grant application. This project seeks to coordinate federal, state, municipal, county, and private planning efforts within the river corridor and provide updated science on anticipated river flows and the condition of floodplains and riparian areas. 
    
3. March 26, 2024: The Board approved two letters of support for the Town of De Beque’s initiatives. One letter was to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs for the Town’s EIAF Grant Application for their Comprehensive Plan Update Project. The other was for the Town’s application for Congressionally Directed Spending to develop a secondary water source, sent to Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper. (Source)
    
4. April 23, 2024: During the administrative public hearing, the Board approved a $1 million contribution toward the permanent protection of the Shoshone water rights, the most senior non-consumptive water right on the Colorado River. 
    
5. July 11, 2024: The Commissioners sent a letter to the Colorado River District’s Community Funding Partnership, expressing support for the Grand Valley Water Users’ Headworks Project grant application. The grant seeks funding to replace the diversion headgates and other vital components at the Roller Dam. 
    
6. July 17, 2024: The Commissioners approved a letter to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) supporting the Town of Collbran’s grant request to fund the Plateau Valley School District water storage tank project. Mesa County committed to donating one-third of an acre from the Mesa County Road and Bridge property for the project. 
    
7. July 30, 2024: The Board approved a letter to Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper supporting the Colorado River Water Conservation District’s effort to acquire and permanently protect the Shoshone water rights. This letter was from the Western District of Colorado Counties, Inc., which includes 16 counties on the Western Slope, including Mesa County. 
    
8. July 2024: Following the detection of zebra mussel larvae in the Colorado River and Government Highline Canal, Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel and Tina Bergonzini, General Manager of the Grand Valley Water Users Association, actively engaged with local groups to raise awareness and discuss mitigation strategies. Their efforts focused on preventing the spread of this invasive species, which poses significant risks to water infrastructure and the local economy. Learn more about the role residents will play in fighting this invasive species. 
    
9. October 16, 2024: The Commissioners unanimously approved a letter of support to River Network for the Town of De Beque’s Rooting Resilience application for a $75,000 grant. The funding aims to provide grant dollars and technical assistance to community-based projects that build resilience and enhance the community’s ability to plan and carry out forestry projects. 
    
10. December 10, 2024: The Board adopted the 2025 budget, which includes allocations for various infrastructure projects. While specific allocations to the Town of De Beque’s water treatment facility are not detailed in the available sources, the budget emphasizes investments in community services and infrastructure.