Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5911 would authorize the conveyance of the Crystal Reservoir in Colorado and its surrounding infrastructure from the U.S. Forest Service to the city of Ouray, Colorado.

In early 2024, the Forest Service was forced to drain this reservoir because the Full Moon Dam had become structurally compromised. For the city of Ouray, this was a crisis. The community relies heavily on this reservoir to maintain its municipal water supply, support vital wildfire preparedness, and sustain the outdoor recreational economy in the Red Mountains.

The bill before us provides a straightforward solution: transfer of the 45-acre area to the city so that Ouray can repair the dam, refill the reservoir, and secure the water rights necessary to protect its residents.

But just as importantly, this legislation demonstrates exactly the right way to execute a public land conveyance.

This transfer is transparent. It is strictly accountable, and it guarantees that the land will perpetually benefit the public. The bill explicitly mandates that the area be maintained as open space in perpetuity. It guarantees permanent free public access for recreation. It strictly prohibits commercial development, allowing only for necessary dam operations that comply with Colorado water law.

To ensure total accountability, the bill includes a strict reversionary clause that if any of these conditions are violated, the transfer is canceled.

Because this bill was crafted in the right way, it has earned broad and enthusiastic local support. It is backed by the city of Ouray, the towns of Ridgway and Silverton, Ouray and San Juan Counties, and the Ouray County Sheriff.

It has also earned the endorsement of vital community groups, including the Colorado River District, the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, the Trust For Public Land restoration, and the Ouray Trail Group.

Furthermore, this responsible, public-first approach has garnered strong bipartisan support in the Senate, proving that when we prioritize transparency and perpetual public benefit, we can build robust consensus.

H.R. 5911 is a model for how to empower local communities, while protecting public access and conservation.

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Ms. STANSBURY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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