The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize signatures on a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior backing efforts to protect the Shoshone water right.

Commissioner Perry Will described the effort as crucial for the Western Slope’s water supply, recreation and energy communities, saying preservation of Shoshone helps maintain flows used by rafting, fisheries and local economies. County staff reported the county has committed $3,000,000 to the project and is seeking approximately $40 million in federal matching funds toward a $57 million overall need.

Zane (county staff) said the county and partner counties are coordinating with the Department of Interior and congressional supporters. The board instructed staff to shepherd a consolidated letter that would carry the signatures of participating West Slope counties; commissioners approved and the chair signed.

No dissenting comments were recorded. Staff said the letter will be shared with the Colorado River District and that additional county coordination with neighboring counties is anticipated.