Shoshone Permanency Takes a Step Forward with Historic Water Deal
On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Xcel Energy and the Colorado River District signed a purchase and sale agreement to transfer ownership of the historic Shoshone water rights to the River District.
This agreement marks a first step towards permanent protection of the most senior, non-consumptive water right on the Colorado River; a project with a 20-year history of support from over 19 western Colorado governments and water entities.
Tuesday’s signing and press event kicked off the Shoshone Water Right Preservation Coalition and Campaign, a broad-based group of local governments, water managers and other interests who believe in the value of protecting these rights in perpetuity – both for the Western Slope and the State of Colorado.
More information about this effort can be found on the Coalition’s website:
