HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07 A Resolution Supporting the Passage of the Bolts Ditch ActRESOLUTION NO. 07
Series of 2024
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PASSAGE OF THE BOLTS DITCH ACT
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail receives water and sanitation services from the
Eagle River Water & Sanitation District (the “District”); and
WHEREAS, the District is adjudicating water rights and has purchased land in
order to construct and operate a 1,200 acre-foot water storage reservoir called Bolts
Lake; and
WHEREAS, once constructed, Bolts Lake will provide sustainable in-basin water
supplies for the region, as well as additional recreational opportunities to support the
western slope’s recreation-based economy; and
WHEREAS, Bolts Ditch is an essential filling source for Bolts Lake; and
WHEREAS, Section 1101 of Public Law 116-9, the John D. Dingell, Jr.
Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, allows Bolts Ditch to be operated
within the Holy Cross Wilderness area for diversion of water and use, maintenance, and
repair of the Bolts Ditch and headgate, but restricts use, maintenance, and repair
authority exclusively to the Town of Minturn; and
WHEREAS, the District, the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority (the
“Authority”) and the Town of Minturn are collectively seeking to expand Public Law 116-9
to include the District and Authority as additional governmental entities that may also
use, maintain, and repair the Bolts Ditch and its headgate; and
WHEREAS, the Bolts Ditch Act, introduced on June 22, 2023, in the U.S. House
of Representatives by Rep. Joe Neguse (H.R.4297) and the U.S. Senate by Sen.
Michael Bennet (S.2156), seeks to authorize the District and Authority to be eligible to
complete the maintenance work on Bolts Ditch and its headgate within the Holy Cross
Wilderness, Colorado.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF VAIL, COLORADO THAT:
Section 1. The Town of Vail hereby supports the immediate passage of the Bolts
Ditch Act as introduced to facilitate the construction and operation of Bolts Lake by the
District and Authority.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
INTRODUCED, PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town of
Vail Town Council held this 6th day of February, 2024.
______________________________
Travis Coggin, Town Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Stephanie Bibbens, Town Clerk