ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Board of County Commissioners confirmed a resolution to protect water in the Rio Grande Basin during Wednesday’s regular meeting. In light of recent attempts from the front range to attain the SLV’s water the Alamosa BOCC confirmed the following resolution:

A Resolution In Opposition To The Exporting Of Water From The Rio Grande Basin.

WHEREAS, Alamosa County, is a political subdivision of the State of Colorado and is geographically located within the Rio Grande Basin; and

WHEREAS, the conservation, protection and use of the water resources of the Rio

Grande basin are vital to the continued economic and cultural prosperity of t~e citizens of

Alamosa County, the San Luis Valley, and visitors from around the world; and

WHEREAS, the water resources of the Rio Grande basin are critical to the continued agricultural production of the San Luis Valley which is the key economic driver for many of the

Valley’s residents; and

WHEREAS, the water resources of the Rio Grande basin are critical to wildlife and protected areas such as the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, the Monte Vista National

Wildlife Refuge, the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, and the San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area;

WHEREAS, the water resources of the Rio Grande basin are critical to the Great Sand

Dunes National Park and Preserve which receives nearly 500,000 visitors annually; and

WHEREAS, once again, the valuable water resources of the Rio Grande basin are being threatened by a private entity who propose to construct a pipeline to export this water to the front range; and

WHEREAS, in or to protect the economy, culture, and well-being of the citizens of

Alamosa County, it is necessary to join the Rio Grande Water Conservation District in safeguarding and maintaining the waters available to Alamosa County citizens; and

WHEREAS, the export of water from the Rio Grande basin to other basins is a direct threat to the economy, culture, and well-being of Alamosa County residents; and

WHEREAS, the exportation of water from the Rio Grande basin to other basins is contrary to Alamosa County and Rio Grande Water Conservation’s District’s joint goal of the sustainable and continued use of water within the Rio Grande Basin; and

WHEREAS, due to the current obligations of the Rio Grande Water Compac~, the Rio

Grande basin already exports a substantial amount of this critical natural resources to downstream states and additional exportation would cause irreparable harm; and

WHEREAS, Alamosa County has consistently and vigorously opposed attempts to export water from the Rio Grande Basin; and

WHEREAS , such past opposition has defeated attempts to export water from the Rio

Grande basin and protected the economy, culture, and well-being of Alamosa County Residents .

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ALAMOSA COUNTY BOARD

OF COMMISSIONERS that:

1. The Board of County Commissioners of Alamosa County continue to oppose any attempt to export water from the Rio Grande basin.

2. The Board of County Commissioners of Alamosa County will commit such resources as are necessary to oppose any such export attempt.