Colorado Mesa University and Grand Valley Power Among Prominent Regional Organizations Supporting Shoshone Water Rights Acquisition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 29, 2024
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — On Friday, Aug. 16, the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees voted unanimously to commit $500,000 to the Colorado River District’s effort to purchase and permanently protect the Shoshone water rights. Additionally, the Grand Valley Power Board of Directors recently adopted a resolution committing $100,000. These contributions highlight the growing number of regional entities supporting the acquisition of the historic Shoshone Hydropower Plant and its associated water rights, underscoring the resource’s importance to the Western Slope.
“At Colorado Mesa University, we recognize that water is the lifeblood of our region’s economy and way of life,” said CMU President John Marshall. “As western Colorado’s regional comprehensive university, it’s important for us to stand with the Colorado River District and support the protection of the Shoshone water rights. This isn’t just about safeguarding water; it’s about securing the future of our communities, our environment, and the next generation of leaders we educate.”
“Our rural economy is tied to agriculture, and agriculture depends on water,” said Grand Valley Power Board President Janie VanWinkle. “Grand Valley Power is committed to supporting initiatives that sustain the long-term health of our farming and ranching communities and investing in the future of Western Colorado. By securing the Shoshone water rights, we are helping ensure the Colorado River remains a viable resource for energy, agriculture, recreation, and the environment.”
The Shoshone Hydropower Plant, located in Glenwood Canyon, holds one of the most senior non-consumptive water rights on the Colorado River, dating back to 1902. The permanent protection of these water rights would help ensure future reliable river flows, which are critical not only to agriculture and recreation but also to the health of the river ecosystem and the sustainability of Western Colorado communities.
“We deeply appreciate Colorado Mesa University for backing the Shoshone permanency effort. Education and water are fundamental to our communities’ future, shaping everything from our economy to our way of life,” said Colorado River District General Manager Andy Mueller. “By supporting this work, CMU and Grand Valley Power are demonstrating leadership in protecting West Slope water security and the future of our communities.”
Support from entities like CMU and Grand Valley Power underscores the growing recognition among increasingly outspoken regional voices of the value of securing the Shoshone water rights for long-term stability and prosperity. These organizations, along with a wide array of stakeholders—including local governments, agricultural groups, water entities, conservation organizations, and recreational interests—are uniting behind the acquisition effort, demonstrating a shared responsibility for the future of our water resources.
The Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition, led by the Colorado River District, has raised more than $55 million toward the $99 million purchase price, showcasing strong regional commitment to safeguarding this vital water resource. The acquisition will ensure that Shoshone’s senior water rights continue to provide critical flows for ecosystem health, water quality, agricultural production, and recreational activities across more than 250 miles of the Colorado River.
###
