MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) — During a public meeting Tuesday, the Mesa County Board of Commissioners approved a $1 million contribution towards the permanent protection of the Shoshone water rights.
The Shoshone water right is considered the most senior, non-consumptive water right on the Colorado River. It provides water to five communities, a $4 billion recreation system and agriculture throughout Western Colorado.
Commissioner Bobbie Daniel called the million-dollar investment "a pledge to our community's future."
In December 2023, Xcel Energy agreed to sign over the water rights to the Colorado River District for $98.5 million.