S.Amdt. 6006

SA 6006 is an amendment proposed by Mr. Bennet and Mr. Hickenlooper to be added to bill S. 4784. Its purpose is to authorize the conveyance of Federal land to the City of Ouray, Colorado.

The amendment aims to add a section that requires the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer the following to the City:

• Federal land, which includes the Crystal Reservoir site, the associated lake, Full Moon Dam and its facilities, Full Moon Ditch, Reservoir Number 10, and about 45 acres of surrounding land.
• All water rights associated with that Federal land.

The transfer comes with specific requirements and conditions:

• Costs: The Secretary pays most costs, but the City must pay for any surveys.
• City Obligations: The City must assume all costs for repairs, maintenance, and regulatory compliance for the dam and infrastructure.
• Land Use: The land must remain open space for public recreational access (including fishing) without a fee. Commercial operations and development are prohibited, except for maintenance and safety needs.
• Restrictions: The City cannot expand the reservoir's surface footprint in a way that harms upstream wetlands.
• Reversion: If the City fails to follow these terms, the land may revert back to the United States.
• Additional Rights: The Secretary will recognize a perpetual easement for the Red Mountain Ditch for water diversion and delivery.