Jeff Hurd Noncommittal on Dolores River NCA After Cortez Meeting

U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd told Montezuma County officials he has not decided whether to carry a House companion for the Dolores River National Conservation Area proposal and said he is still studying the plan and meeting with stakeholders. Hurd opened the door to further review at a county commissioners meeting in Cortez where roughly 50 people attended but were not allowed to ask questions.

Hurd said, “I’m not on that legislation but it’s something I’m thinking about,” and that he remains “still studying the issue.” He told commissioners and city representatives he wants public land decisions made with community support and asked local leaders to “triage” their biggest needs. Joking about the proposal’s long gestation, Hurd added, “This thing is almost old enough to drive.”

The proposal on the table would create the Dolores River National Conservation Area and a Special Management Area along the river corridor in portions of Montezuma, Dolores and San Miguel counties. The Senate bill would protect more than 68,000 acres and has bipartisan Senate sponsorship, having cleared the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by unanimous voice vote. A House sponsor has not been secured; Hurd’s predecessor carried a companion bill in 2022.

Local voices at the meeting pressed for action. Commissioner James Candelaria warned of misinformation and asked what would make Hurd more comfortable with the plan, saying there is “a storm of misinformation” circulating about the proposal. Rancher and working-group member Al Heaton, who helped craft the locally negotiated plan, told attendees that “If we do nothing, an outside proposal will emerge in the not-too-distant future and determine how the Dolores River is managed. The NCA represents a reasonable compromise for the Dolores River and respects the majority of local voices.”

Local editorial boards and county leaders have urged the congressman to introduce the House companion without delay. One editorial put the call plainly: “Rep. Hurd, it’s time to introduce the Dolores River National Conservation Area bill,” and argued passage would explicitly preserve water rights, grazing, private property, McPhee Reservoir operations and valid existing mineral leases. Another editorial line read, “The path forward is clear, Rep. Hurd, and it is overdue: You should introduce the Dolores River NCA bill in the House.”

Hurd’s office said staff are continuing stakeholder meetings and groundwork. Nick Bayer, representing Hurd, said, “Hurd and his staff are continuing to meet with stakeholders and do due diligence on the measure.” That timetable leaves local leaders and the working group watching for a decision or for another House member to file a companion.

For Dolores County residents, the choice facing Hurd affects long-negotiated local agreements and the future management of the river corridor. With bipartisan Senate momentum and vocal local support, the next step is a clear House sponsor or a public timeline from Hurd’s office; otherwise advocates warn outside interests could shape the outcome.