Colorado Supreme Court Decision Throws Colorado Water Projects Into Turmoil

Media Statement
January 9, 2017
Contact: Gary Wockner, Save The Colorado, 970-218-8310

Colorado Supreme Court Decision Throws Colorado Water Projects Into Turmoil

Colorado River, USA: On December 5, 2016, the Colorado Supreme Court rendered a decision in a Colorado water law case that throws proposed water projects into turmoil. The ruling overturned the ability of the City of Aurora to divert and store West Slope water, and set a precedent that will impact all other proposed water projects in the state.

On January 7th, the Longmont Times ran an article titled, “Colorado Supreme Court water decision impact on Windy Gap Firming Project unclear.”

Below is a statement from Save The Colorado:

“We believe the Supreme Court decision will impact every water project in the state that proposes to divert and store more West Slope water over to the Front Range, including the Windy Gap Firming Project, Moffat Collection System Project, and Northern Integrated Supply Project. We are following the issue closely and are waiting for the applicants to amend their decrees in state water court, after which we will likely engage in those court proceedings. All of these projects would further drain the Colorado River solely to drench bluegrass Front Range lawns during the hottest driest days of summer in the deepest drought, an activity that is irresponsible and perhaps insane. Conservation, efficiency, and working with farmers are faster, easier, and cheaper ways for the sprawling Front Range to get more water. We will continue to oppose these projects through the permitting processes and beyond.” — Gary Wockner, Director, Save The Colorado.

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