American Rivers Action Fund celebrates passage of Ballot Issue 2A supporting Colorado’s Animas River, parks, and open space

April 2, 2025

Contact: Hawk Hammer, 630-272-3233

Durango, CO – The American Rivers Action Fund today is applauding voters’ strong support of the Animas River in Durango, Colorado, through the passage of Ballot Issue 2A.

Earlier this month, the Action Fund endorsed the measure, which extends an existing half-cent sales tax dedicated to parks, open space, and trails, as well as specific capital improvements for the city. Since originally passing in 2005, the fund has contributed nearly $10 million to the Animas River, which runs through town. Benefits have included a new whitewater park -- including the acquisition of a dedicated in-stream flow right -- as well as new river access points, riverside trails, and maintenance of the river. Ballot Issue 2A extends the existing tax for the next 30 years.

Sinjin Eberle, Managing Director of the American Rivers Action Fund, made the following statement:

“Voters in Durango have made it clear that the Animas River is a treasured community asset, and that clean water, river health, and access is a top priority. This win will have a substantial impact for the river, parks, and trails for decades to come. We hope it inspires other communities in Colorado and nationwide to invest in healthy rivers and clean water.”