Grand County approves OLRT MOU to buy 58.5 shares of Villed Ditch water for ag and river flows

The board approved a memorandum of understanding to purchase 58.5 shares of Villed Ditch irrigated‑land company stock using a $409,500 Open Lands, Rivers & Trails (OLRT) grant. Kaylee (speaker 27) described the MOU and said the acquisition is contingent on completing due diligence and the purchase and sale agreement.

Kaylee said the county intends to sublease the shares and use the water for agricultural needs on the Granby Mesa and to bolster late‑season flows in the Fraser River where temperatures run high. County Manager Ed Moyer underscored the county’s intent: "Grand County's interest in purchasing these shares is solely on a focus to continue, utilizing this water for agriculture and working with our local producers on the Mesa, as well as using the shares as part of a water conservation project or a substitute water supply plan to support the health of the Fraser And Colorado Rivers." He added the purchase is not meant to facilitate development speculation.

Commissioners asked about how the purchase would protect ag users on the Mesa and whether closing documents would be shared with advisory boards; staff said closing materials will be provided 14 days prior to closing and that water‑rights attorneys have traced the chain of title. The motion to approve the MOU was made and the board voted in favor, with authorization for the chair to sign applicable documents. The approval is contingent on the successful execution of the purchase and sale agreement and completion of due diligence.