119-S-2754 Journalist Public Summary
119 · S 2754 Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act
A Colorado-focused Senate bill would transfer Crystal Reservoir and about 45 acres from the U.S. Forest Service to the City of Ouray, keep public access free, and make the city responsible for dam repairs; it had a Senate subcommittee hearing on February 12, 2026 and remains in committee. (congress.gov)
Headline Summary
Give Crystal Reservoir to the City of Ouray so locals can fix the dam, restore the lake, and keep it open to the public. (congress.gov)
What It Does
The Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act (S. 2754) directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to transfer Crystal Reservoir, Full Moon Dam, related ditches, and roughly 45 surrounding acres to the City of Ouray. The city would assume repair, operation, and maintenance costs; keep the area as open space with free public recreation access; and follow Colorado water law. The bill also grants trail/road easements and includes a reversion clause if terms are violated. (congress.gov)
Who’s For It
- Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper (sponsors) say the transfer will restore local water storage, support wildfire response, and reopen a popular recreation site. (bennet.senate.gov)
- Local backing includes the City of Ouray, Ouray County officials, and groups such as the Colorado River District and Ouray Trail Group, citing water supply, tourism, and public access. (bennet.senate.gov)
- A companion push in the House by Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03) signals bipartisan, bicameral interest in the transfer. (hurd.house.gov)
Who’s Against It
- No formal, organized opposition is evident in public releases so far, but federal land managers previously raised safety and liability concerns with the dam. (fs.usda.gov)
- The Forest Service considered removing the dam and restoring wetlands, an approach at odds with refilling the reservoir—supporters dispute that path. (ouraynews.com)
- Skeptics may also note that the bill shifts long‑term repair and maintenance responsibility to the city, which could carry future costs at the local level. (congress.gov)
What’s Next
Status as of February 13, 2026: A Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing was held on February 12, 2026. The bill remains in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; next steps could include a subcommittee or full committee markup before any Senate floor vote. Congress.gov still lists the bill as referred to committee after its September 10, 2025 introduction. (energy.senate.gov)
Discussion