Bill > S2754

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer ownership of the Crystal Reservoir and surrounding 45 acres of land in Ouray County, Colorado, from the U.S. Forest Service to the City of Ouray. The conveyance includes the reservoir, Full Moon Dam, associated facilities, water rights, and infrastructure, and will be completed via a quitclaim deed at no cost to the city except for survey expenses. In exchange, the city must agree to several conditions: maintain the land as open public space with free recreational access, prevent commercial development, preserve existing trails and roads, assume responsibility for dam and infrastructure maintenance, and avoid expanding the reservoir in a way that would harm upstream wetlands. The city will retain the ability to use the reservoir for water storage and release consistent with Colorado water law. The transfer includes a reversionary clause allowing the federal government to reclaim the land if the city fails to meet the specified conditions. Additionally, the bill ensures the city can continue using the nearby Red Mountain Ditch for water diversion and storage. The Secretary of Agriculture will finalize the land's legal description and map, which will be available for public inspection.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2754/all-info