Community member asks Boulder to add ag‑ditch upgrades to comp plan to protect valley agriculture

A community member urged the advisory board on Oct. 20 to add a policy to the Boulder Valley comprehensive plan to help preserve local agriculture by upgrading century‑old irrigation ditches.

In public comment, Elizabeth (identified in the record as a community member) said, "Boulder's AgWater delivery system depends on a 160 year old legacy irrigation ditches, which present many opportunities for system upgrades to minimize water loss and maximize the yield of dwindling water supplies." She called for city and county partnership with ditch companies, farmers and ranchers to fund upgrades, mobilize maintenance crews, offer grant‑writing assistance and create grant programs to finance improvements.

Elizabeth also warned that reductions in Colorado River deliveries and uncertainty around transmountain and CBT supplies increase risks to local agricultural water security. She told the board those upgrades would help protect local food production, prevent dust storms and grass fires, and sustain ecosystem services provided by irrigated open space.

Utilities Director Joe Tanayuchi thanked Elizabeth for the input, described her as "a very respected member of the community," and said staff and the comp‑plan team are tracking agricultural language; he noted the board will have a next touchpoint on the comp‑plan process in November and that staff would confirm receipt of Elizabeth—s written submission.

No board action was taken; the comp‑plan team plans additional public engagement and a November return to the board.