SAN LUIS VALLEY — On Oct. 3, the San Luis Valley Development Resources Group and Council of Governments, was honored with the 2024 American Planning Award Colorado Honor Award in the Growing Water Smart category. Commissioner Tom McCracken of Saguache County accepted the award at the conference. 

This journey began two years ago at a Growing Water Smart workshop, where elected officials and local stakeholders engaged to protect “our most precious resource — water. Recognizing that over 50% of our valley's economy depends on agriculture, we knew we had to act to prevent external entities from exporting our water,” local officials stated. 

“With the support of specialized attorneys, elected officials, and dedicated partners, we successfully established intergovernmental agreements across all six counties in our region. This legal framework is a first for Colorado, ensuring that water remains in the San Luis Valley and surrounding areas, safeguarding our agricultural economy and community's quality of life. 

“This achievement is just the beginning. Together, we’ve proven that collaboration and understanding can overcome even the most emotionally charged challenges. A huge thank you to everyone involved — your patience, dedication, and shared vision made this possible. 

“We’re excited to continue this vital work and see what more we can accomplish for the future of our Valley,” local officials stated.