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Grand County to join Shoshone-change water-court case with 'friendly' statement of opposition
Summary
County staff reported that a change-in-water-rights application (25CW3177) was filed and accepted by water court. Commissioners directed staff to file a friendly statement of opposition so the county is a party and can protect local interests in forthcoming water-rights determinations.
County staff updated the Board of County Commissioners on recent water-rights activity related to the Shoshone rights and the Windy Gap project.
The county's representatives reported that a change-in-water-rights application, case number 25CW3177, was filed and accepted by water court after a large stakeholder meeting in Golden where West Slope entities and front-range objectors participated. Staff recommended that the county file a "friendly statement of opposition" (a friendly objection that formally makes the county a party to the case) so the county can present issues that are uniquely important to its interests in subsequent court proceedings.
Commissioners and staff noted the river district and River District attorneys will continue to work on drafting documents for water court, but emphasized that the county must preserve the right to file arguments specific to Grand County. County counsel and the county’s water attorney were referenced as prepared to assist. The board approved moving forward with filing a friendly statement of opposition once the matter appears on the water court resume.
Why it matters: Changes to water rights and river operations can have long-term effects on local water availability, environmental flows, and county-dependent uses. Being a party to water-court proceedings lets Grand County make legal arguments tailored to local impacts.
What’s next: Staff will file the friendly statement of opposition and coordinate briefing with the county water attorney and relevant stakeholders, and will update commissioners as the water-court schedule is set.
