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October 12, 2012--Montrose County one formality away from final water rights (Montrose Daily Press)

Montrose County’s water rights are just a step away from being signed, sealed and delivered. District Judge J. Steven Patrick on Wednesday signed an order approving stipulations between the county, the Colorado Water Conservation Board and the state and division engineers. Patrick must yet issue a formal decree, which is expected soon. The county filed in 2010 for water rights on the San Miguel River and said it acted quickly so that its application could come in ahead of the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s. Initially, the county wanted up to six reservoir sites and several thousand acre-feet of water. Controversy arose after environmental groups questioned the overall plan as a “water grab” and others raised questions about eminent domain. Montrose County worked to reach settlements with dozens of objectors. In an August stipulation with the town of Telluride, it agreed to a volumetric use limitation of 3,200 acre-feet and to build water storage facilities on a set schedule as part of “reality checks.”

To view the full article, visit the Montrose Daily Press. For a copy of the original article contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango, Colorado.


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