LAS ANIMAS, ROCKY FORD TAKE STAND AGAINST NEW COLORADO SPRINGS ANNEXATIONS

On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the city councils of both Las Animas and Rocky Ford unanimously passed resolutions at their regularly scheduled meetings, formally opposing any new annexations in Colorado Springs that would increase its existing 34,000-acre-foot annual water supply gap.

The cities join Crowley, Otero, and Prowers counties; the cities of Lamar and La Junta; the Town of Ordway; the Otero County Farm Bureau; and the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District in opposition.

Both city councils urge the City of Colorado Springs to carefully consider the consequences of additional water supply demands caused by new annexations on the Lower Arkansas Valley's economy, water quality, environment, cultural heritage, and rural way of life.

They also call upon neighboring local governments and stakeholders to collaborate in advocating for responsible water management policies that prioritize the protection of the Lower Arkansas Valley's agricultural foundation, water resources, and long-term economic sustainability, ensuring a stable and thriving environment for current and future generations.