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Senate adopts nonbinding resolution urging federal action on Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute water rights
Summary
The Senate unanimously adopted House Joint Resolution 10‑17 calling on the federal government to address water‑rights and infrastructure obligations to the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes, noting long‑standing underinvestment and urgent Colorado River concerns.
The Colorado Senate on March 30 adopted a nonbinding resolution (HJR 10‑17) urging federal action to fulfill obligations to the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes with respect to water rights and infrastructure.
The clerk read the resolution title; the minority leader and other sponsors described the resolution’s purpose. Sponsors said tribal representatives were invited but could not attend and emphasized that the resolution highlights federal obligations tied to the Pine River Indian Irrigation Project and other infrastructure. The minority leader noted roughly $100,000,000 of unmet federal investment in necessary infrastructure, and speakers pointed to low regional snowpack and looming operational changes to Lake Powell and Lake Mead as elevating urgency.
Senator Roberts thanked the minority leader and noted a settlement agreement mentioned in the resolution was ratified by Congress in 1988 and remains incompletely fulfilled. Sponsors characterized the resolution as a nonbinding instrument to highlight the tribes’ needs and press federal agencies for engagement.
The motion to adopt the resolution carried by a recorded voice tally of 35 ayes, 0 noes, and no absences. The chamber added the current roll call as cosponsors per a sponsor request.
