“We are calling on you to advocate for this project and to encourage federal investment in the permanent protection of the Shoshone water rights. In addition to regional and statewide benefits, the federal government benefits greatly, both economically and hydrologically, from the preservation of the historic flows associated with the Shoshone water rights,” the lawmakers said in their letter to U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, both D-Colo.

A coalition is working in support of the Colorado River District’s efforts to raise $99 million to buy the water rights used to operate the plant in Glenwood Canyon. The water rights date back to the early 1900s and due to their seniority they help ensure flows through the canyon and downstream. The goal is to preserve the rights should a time come when the aging plant closes, and to have the rights converted to instream flow rights. That would help fend off upstream diversions of water long used by the plant and keep the water available downstream for agricultural, municipal, recreational and environmental purposes.