KEYSTONE — The Colorado River District has been named the 2019 J. Evan Goulding District of the Year by the Special District Association of Colorado, according to a news release.
The award — which was established to single out a district that demonstrates exceptional leadership and community spirit — recognizes a district’s major accomplishments, series of outstanding efforts and determination to serve its constituency.
In 1937, legislators created the district to be “the appropriate agency for the conservation, use, and development of the water resources of the Colorado River and its principal tributaries in Colorado,” according to the release.
Covering about 29,000 square miles, or 28% of the state, the district is composed of 15 Western Slope counties, including Summit County, in which a majority of the Colorado River Basin exists. The district serves about 500,000 residents and is charged with protecting and developing the water resources of the Colorado River mainstem and tributaries of the Yampa, White and Gunnison basins. The district works to protect 70% of the water resources in Colorado, according to the release.
The award is presented annually, and this year’s presentation took place as part of the association’s annual conference from Sept. 18-20 in Keystone.