Structure and Staff
The Steering Committee was a local advisory committee that met intensively throughout 2002 and 2003 to study stormwater issues.  The Committee was comprised of representatives from homeowner associations, businesses, schools, churches and environmental groups and was supported by local government staff. The Committee researched and studied the extent of the stormwater runoff problems, estimated costs involved, and explored the most cost-effective solutions.

The Committee proposed the formation of a new independent authority to manage stormwater runoff and to implement the many remedial and capital projects that
are needed to maintain and upgrade the stormwater infrastructure.  The Committee found that other local governments across the state and county have created stormwater utilities as a successful approach to solve stormwater problems.

After the recommendation of the Steering Committee, representatives of the City of Grand Junction, the City of Fruita, the Town of Palisade, Mesa County, and the Grand Valley Drainage District met during 2004 to form the 5-2-1 DA.  The  Committee charter drafted the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA).  The final IGA was adopted in June 2004.  The incorporation papers were filed and the first official meeting was in September 2004.  The agencies that formed and are a part of the 5-2-1 DA are referred to as the Contracting Parties.

At the end of 2009 the 5-2-1 Drainage Authority Board of Directors entered into an agreement with the City of Grand Junction to manage the operations of the 5-2-1 Drainage Authority using City of Grand Junction employees.

The 5-2-1 DA is governed by a Board of Directors.  Five Board members are appointed individually, one each by: Grand Junction City Council, Fruita City Council, Palisade Town Board, Mesa County Board of Commissioners, and the Grand Valley Drainage District Board of Directors.

The 5-2-1 DA is funded by contributions from the five entities that formed it. The
5-2-1 Drainage Authority is now charging construction permit fees.  Any construction project that disturbs a total of 1 acre or more will be subject to a local permit fee.