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Aurora finalizes disputed $80 million farm purchase as it seeks more water for growing population

Southeastern Colorado water leaders say deal violates earlier Arkansas River agreement

A cow crosses the Arkansas River ...
A cow crosses the Arkansas River east of John Martin Reservoir, near Hasty in southeastern Colorado’s Bent County, on March 11, 2021. A farm deal in neighboring Otero County that could supply water to Aurora in metro Denver has drawn local protests. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 8:  Elise Schmelzer - Staff portraits at the Denver Post studio.  (Photo by Eric Lutzens/The Denver Post)
UPDATED:

The legality of Aurora's $80 million purchase of a farm and its water rights is disputed by leaders in southeastern Colorado, who say the deal violates a two decade-old agreement to stop the booming suburban city from using water meant for crops.

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