News Release Archive

Reclamation and Water Conservancy Districts Will Host Public Meetings on Transfer of the Collbran Project

Media Contact: Ed Warner, (970) 248-0625, ewarner@uc.usbr.gov

For Release: July 21, 2003

The Ute and Collbran Water Conservancy Districts are requesting the transfer of the Collbran Project, including Vega Reservoir from the Bureau of Reclamation to the Districts. Public meetings about transferring ownership of the Collbran Project are schedule for:

Wednesday, August 6, in Collbran at the La Plata Valley School in the Media Center at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 7, in Grand Junction, at the Mesa State College Campbell Center in the Fletcher Room at 7 p.m.

Facilities involved in the proposed transfer could include Vega Dam and Reservoir, associated feeder and delivery canals, the Molina hydropower plants, and Reclamation's interests in 15 Grand Mesa reservoirs including those on the Cottonwood and Big Creek drainages.

The purpose of the public meetings is to explain the title transfer process and the purposes of the transfer, and to receive input on any concerns with the proposed transfer and suggestions on how public uses and values can be protected. Reclamation will use the input received to prepare an assessment report on the potential transfer. Transfer of title for Reclamation facilities requires congressional authorization.

Reclamation invites interested parties to provide written comments on the proposed transfer and to attend the public meetings. Written comments should be provided by August 31, 2003. Input may be faxed to (970) 248-0601, emailed to smccall@uc.usbr.gov or mailed to Ed Warner, Bureau of Reclamation, 2764 Compass Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81506. For more information or to receive a copy of the assessment report when it is completed, contact the Bureau of Reclamation at 970-248-0600.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.