The proposed $99 million PSA to acquire the Shoshone water rights is no small price tag, but the one-time investment to protect Colorado River flows in perpetuity is a durable, actional investment in Colorado’s future – providing greater certainty and security for future Colorado residents, farmers, ranchers, recreators, and the native fish and wildlife relying on the success of Shoshone Water Right Preservation.

Fully funding the proposed water right purchase relies on a diverse partnership of local, state, and federal funding sources. The Colorado River District plans to invest $20 million of its own funds via the Community Funding Partnership which it anticipates committing upon execution of the PSA. Members of the West Slope Coalition anticipate contributing at least another $10 million. 

To truly achieve Shoshone water right preservation and its myriad benefits statewide, the greater Shoshone Water Right Preservation Coalition looks forward to partnerships with the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and the Bureau of Reclamation to bring this unique, timely, and historic opportunity across the finish line for all of Colorado.  The West Slope Coalition will work tirelessly to secure funding commitments from the State of Colorado and the federal government.

To paraphrase Warren Buffet, “Price is what you pay, value is what you receive,” and the value of securing these flows on a permanent basis is truly priceless.