Council approves $229,749 supplemental appropriation for Confluence Center land purchase

The Grand Junction City Council on April 16 approved a supplemental appropriation of $229,749 from the general fund to support the Confluence Center of Colorado’s purchase of a lot in the Dos Rios development and to cover related development fees.

Interim Finance Director Jody Welch told council the appropriation had been through first reading and that the plat required for closing was now filed. The appropriation will amend the 2025 budget and the funding was drawn from the general fund.

Rusty Lloyd, representing Rivers Edge West and the Confluence Center of Colorado, described the building as a shared home for six nonprofits that provide river and watershed work, science and education, and preschool seats. “This building is much more than just a building,” Lloyd said. “It moves a lot of the important work for these six nonprofits forward.”

Council discussion included praise for the collaboration and riverfront reclamation benefits. Councilmember Simpson announced he would vote no, saying he believed the budget should be adjusted internally before increasing the appropriations; he said he would not oppose the project but could not support the supplemental appropriation form.

The ordinance authorizing the appropriation passed 6–1 (Councilmember Simpson voted no). Staff said the Confluence project has been under development across multiple council cycles and that the appropriation will allow the nonprofit partners to proceed toward closing and development work.