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HR 1729

Bolts Ditch Act

119th Congress Introduced by Joe Neguse

The bill allows the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District and Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority to maintain Bolts Ditch and its headgate, improving water supply and local de

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
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Bill Summary · HR 1729

Summary of HR 1729 - Bolts Ditch Act

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HR 1729
  • Title: Bolts Ditch Act
  • Status: Received in the Senate; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Sponsor: Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO)

Purpose of the Legislation

The Bolts Ditch Act aims to amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. The primary intent is to expand the eligibility of entities that can perform maintenance work on Bolts Ditch and the Bolts Ditch Headgate, located within the Holy Cross Wilderness in Colorado.

Key Provisions

  • Eligibility Expansion: The bill allows the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District and the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority to conduct maintenance and repairs on Bolts Ditch and its headgate. Previously, only the Town of Minturn had access for these purposes.
  • Impact on Local Development: By enabling additional entities to maintain these water facilities, the bill is expected to improve operational efficiency and support economic development in the surrounding area, particularly for the Town of Minturn.

Background and Need for Legislation

  • Historical Context: Bolts Ditch and its headgate are crucial water facilities that divert water into Bolts Lake. In 1980, when the Holy Cross Wilderness was established, Bolts Ditch was inadvertently excluded from a list of existing water facilities, preventing necessary repairs for over three decades.
  • Community Impact: The inability to maintain the headgate has hindered local development, as any new construction requires an adequate water supply from Bolts Lake. The amendment proposed in HR 1729 is seen as a necessary step to facilitate future growth and development in the region.

Legislative Process

  • House Actions:
    • Introduced on February 27, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
    • Reported favorably by the Committee on June 25, 2025.
    • Passed the House on July 14, 2025, after a voice vote.
  • Senate Actions: Received in the Senate on July 15, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Potential Impact

  • Local Entities: The bill directly affects the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District and the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority by granting them the authority to maintain critical water infrastructure.
  • Community Development: By facilitating maintenance of Bolts Ditch, the legislation aims to enhance water supply reliability, thereby supporting residential and commercial development in Minturn and surrounding areas.

Conclusion

The Bolts Ditch Act represents a significant legislative effort to address historical oversights in water management within the Holy Cross Wilderness. By broadening the scope of entities eligible for maintenance work, the bill seeks to promote local economic growth and ensure the sustainability of vital water resources in Colorado.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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