Hickenlooper, Bennet Celebrate Passage of Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act

Bill transfers ownership of Crystal Reservoir to the City of Ouray WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet celebrated the Senate passage of their Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act , transferring ownership of the Crystal Reservoir and the associated dam and water infrastructure from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to the City of Ouray. “This is a big win for Ouray, which deserves control over its own water resources,” said Hickenlooper. “This legislation will unlock Crystal Reservoir’s potential, boosting recreation and strengthening local water supplies.” “The Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act is a common-sense piece of legislation that will protect Ouray’s water supply and a beloved recreation asset for future generations,” said Bennet. “Senate passage is a critical step forward, and I urge the House to pass it upon their return in November. Coloradans should get the water access they deserve.” The bill would convey approximately 45 acres of federal land, including the Crystal Reservoir, Full Moon Dam, and Full Moon Ditch. The conveyance would occur at no cost to the City of Ouray, in exchange for its responsibility for the operations, maintenance, and repairs of the Full Moon Dam and Full Moon Ditch. The conveyance prohibits commercial development on the property, requires compliance with Colorado water law, and maintains public access to the reservoir and nearby trails for outdoor recreation and wildland fire response. In September 2025, Hickenlooper and Bennet introduced the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act. Representative Jeff Hurd introduced a House companion in November 2025. In July 2026, Hickenlooper and Bennet celebrated the bill’s unanimous passage out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The bill has resounding support from the Ouray area and adjacent communities, including: the City of Ouray; the Towns of Ridgway and Silverton; Ouray and San Juan Counties; Ouray County Sheriff; Ouray County Department of Emergency Management; Colorado River District; Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership; Hydrowest Inc.; the Trust for Land Restoration; Ouray and San County Historical Societies; Red Mountain Project; Ouray Trail Group; Ridgway Ouray Community Council; Ouray and Ridgway Area Chambers of Commerce; Great Old Broads for Wilderness; RIGS Fly Shop Guide Service; and the Six Basins Project. Full text of the bill is available HERE . The legislative map can be found HERE . Letters of support can be found HERE . ###