On August 24, Mesa County formally took ownership of a 31.1-acre plot in Clifton following its transfer from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a development seen as pivotal for advancing regional economic prospects. The land, situated between I-70 and the Grand Valley Canal, was transferred under the Clifton Opportunities Now for Vibrant Economic Yields (CONVEY) Act, a legislative initiative introduced by Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and enacted on January 4, 2025. n nCody Davis, Chairman of the Board of Mesa County Commissioners, expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort behind the acquisition, acknowledging the BLM, Representative Boebert, her team, and former Commissioner Rose Pugliese for their roles. He described the moment as transformative for Clifton, emphasizing the county’s readiness to strategize how the site can benefit both local residents and enterprises. n nOriginally managed by the Bureau of Reclamation from 1908 until 2024 for canal-related operations, the parcel was later reassigned to the BLM. It was ultimately designated for disposal due to operational challenges and restricted public access. In accordance with the CONVEY Act, the Department of the Interior’s Appraisal and Valuation Services Office determined the fair market value, leading to the sale of the property to Mesa County for $31,050. n nMesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel highlighted the significance of sustained advocacy in securing this outcome, noting that the legislation reflects a broader commitment to fostering long-term prosperity in the area. She pointed to the successful intergovernmental cooperation between local, state, and federal entities as a model for future initiatives. n nAccording to Commissioner JJ Fletcher, the acquisition clears the way for implementing a concrete plan for economic expansion in Clifton. He anticipates the site will play a key role in drawing new investment, aiding small enterprises, and broadening employment options for the community. n nKey details include: a total area of 31.1 acres, a location near Clifton just northeast of 32 Road, authorization through the CONVEY Act, and a transaction finalized at $31,050 based on official valuation guidelines. n— news from Mesa County
— News Original —
Mesa County receives deed to 31 acres in Clifton for economic development
On Aug. 24, Mesa County officially received the deed to 31.1 acres of land in Clifton from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), marking a major milestone in local efforts to expand economic opportunity in the community. n nThe property, located between I-70 and the Grand Valley Canal, was conveyed to the County under the Clifton Opportunities Now for Vibrant Economic Yields (CONVEY) Act, legislation authored by Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and signed into law in January 2025. n n”Mesa County is grateful to the Bureau of Land Management, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and her staff, and to former Mesa County Commissioner Rose Pugliese for making this opportunity possible,” said Chairman of the Board of Mesa County Commissioners Cody Davis. “This is a turning point for Clifton, and we are eager to begin planning how this property can best serve residents and businesses.” n nFrom 1908 to 2024, the parcel was used by the Bureau of Reclamation for canal operations before being transferred to the BLM. The parcel was identified for disposal because it was difficult to manage and had limited public access. Following the process directed by the CONVEY Act, the BLM sold the land to Mesa County at fair market value as directed by the Department of the Interior’s Appraisal and Valuation Services Office at $31,050. n n”The CONVEY Act represents years of persistence to bring opportunities to Clifton that will contribute to the long-term economic growth of Mesa County,” said Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel. “This achievement shows what can happen when local, state and federal partners work together.” n n”Receiving this deed allows us to finally move forward with a vision for economic development in Clifton,” said Mesa County Commissioner JJ Fletcher. “This property will be a catalyst for attracting investment, supporting small businesses and expanding job opportunities.” n nDetails n nParcel size: 31.1 acres n nLocation: Between I-70 and the Grand Valley Canal near Clifton. Northeast of 32 Road. n nProcess: Authorized by the CONVEY Act, signed into law Jan. 4, 2025 n nTransaction: $31,050, land sold at fair market value, as directed by the Department of the Interior’s Appraisal and Valuation Services Office.