A group of 16 Colorado lawmakers are seeking federal support in purchasing the Shoshone water rights on the Colorado River. The bipartisan legislators sent a letter on Tuesday, Oct. 1 to U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, asking them to help secure federal funding to help with the $99 million purchase.

“We are calling on you to advocate for this project and to encourage federal investment in the permanent protection of the Shoshone water rights,” the letter reads. “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.”

House Speaker Julie McCluskie was among the lawmakers who signed the letter. In a statement, McCluskie wrote that “now is the time to seize this moment, leverage the investment the legislature has made, and secure these critical Colorado River flows for future generations.”