State Land Board authorizes staff to finalize Gunnison right‑of‑way realignment MOU with Western and city
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Summary
The board delegated staff authority to finalize a staff MOU that would realign and partially release two historical rights‑of‑way in Gunnison, creating small developable parcels and lease options in exchange for infrastructure realignment; the motion passed 4–0 with one recusal.
The Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners on April 9 delegated authority to staff to finish negotiating terms of a staff memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City of Gunnison and Western Colorado University to realign a 2022 electrical conduit right‑of‑way and partially release a 1951 right‑of‑way.
Staff said the proposal could yield a 12‑acre selection area and a 9‑acre default removal parcel that would be the most developable portion of the section while reducing a long‑term encumbrance on trust land. The MOU would include an option for Western to lease a portion of the released right‑of‑way and give the city realignment authority while preserving trust interests.
A staff presenter described the swap as a way to create revenue opportunities on land that currently yields little recurring income while preserving long‑term trust value. "It's a pathway to trust revenue on a property that is in our inventory, but that's not currently meeting our mission," staff said in the presentation.
The board debated timing and a compressed window for action because the city is already constructing infrastructure along the existing route; one commissioner recused from the vote. The board approved delegating authority to the director and staff to finalize negotiations and execute the agreements, with the vote recorded 4–0 (one recusal). The motion delegates execution to staff subject to protection of trust interests and the board's authority.
