Grand County Commissioners approved a $6.5 million water rights acquisition Tuesday that secures permanent stream flows during drought conditions for western slope use. The board unanimously authorized purchase of 60 shares in Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canal Company plus 34 shares in Fountain Mutual Irrigation Company, with financing through the Healthy Rivers and Streams Fund and a temporary $4 million general fund bridge loan. The Twin Lakes shares carry a 1930 priority date and will yield approximately 45 acre-feet annually, with water originating from Roaring Fork headwaters and pumped through Independence Pass for Colorado River users. Commissioners also approved $4.5 million in weekly vouchers and heard updates on housing programs that have converted 19 homes to affordable units since 2024.
Water Rights Investment Details
Adam Jokerst, Rocky Mountain regional director for WestWater Research, presented details of the county’s largest single water acquisition. The Twin Lakes shares can be used on the western slope thanks to a 1975-76 change case, with water released from Grizzly Reservoir to benefit Colorado River users during shortage periods.
The Fountain Mutual shares remain restricted to eastern slope use, but commissioners discussed potential trades for additional Twin Lakes shares given high Front Range demand. Closing is scheduled for early April after completion of a March substitute water supply plan.
Major County Expenditures
Finance Director Alina Bell presented weekly vouchers totaling $4,518,520.90. The Vara family open space purchase through Hot Sulphur Springs closes January 30, while the Tourism Board’s December marketing through Madden Media cost $57,418.
The county also approved a $32,111 annual subscription for OpenGov budgeting software, with officials exploring its potential to replace PubWorks software for Road and Bridge operations.
Housing Program Expansion
Ashley Perl, Pitkin County community resiliency manager, and April Long, executive director of West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition, presented an update on the Good Deeds Program that has converted 19 homes to deed-restricted affordable housing since 2024. The program purchases homes averaging $775,000 and converts them to units averaging $233,000. Officials reported converting $14.74 million in market value housing for a $4.45 million investment.
Commissioners approved continued funding with $1 million from Pitkin County’s housing mill levy. The program needs an additional $2.5 million to reach its 30-home goal, with commitments from Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Snowmass totaling $450,000.
Transit and Transportation Updates
The county’s transit connector between communities will launch in May or June, fully funded by grants totaling $203,000. The route will connect the Park and Ride through multiple stops to the National Park area, with a $60,000 county portion covered by grants.
Mountain passenger rail legislation includes tax increment financing using state sales tax. Grand Lake and Fraser/Winter Park are moving ahead with implementation, while Hot Sulphur Springs and Kremling remain less urgent priorities.
Water Supply Concerns
Officials reported record-breaking dry conditions affecting the Colorado Basin, with the region experiencing its worst drought since 1982. Current precipitation stands at 56% of median, while warmer temperatures cause rain instead of beneficial snowpack.
The Windy Gap Firming Project plans to pump 42,000 acre-feet in 2026. Chimney Hollow Reservoir remains limited to 5,000 acre-feet out of 90,000 capacity due to ongoing uranium treatment issues requiring reverse osmosis for metals removal.
Public Safety Request
A resident requested speed limit signage on County Road 61, citing safety concerns from delivery trucks and tourists treating the rural road like a highway. The road serves six full-time residents and features a blind crest hill with multiple driveways near a farm entrance.
Commissioners said staff is working with Google to remove County Road 61 from GPS mapping systems, though officials acknowledged the process remains challenging.
Other Business
The board approved EMS billing software contracts allowing patients to access bills online and set up payment plans. Officials authorized tobacco prevention program continuation and various lease agreements including Paradise Agricultural and Outfitting operations and Wheatley Open Space grain production.
An executive session addressed real property acquisition discussions for Flying Heels Arena. The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 11, with public hearings planned for the water rights ordinance and airport lease agreements.
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