U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet said Wednesday he will draft a bill to transfer ownership of Crystal Reservoir to the city of Ouray, a move that could help secure the long-term future of the reservoir, which was drawn down earlier this year.

Standing on the shore of the mostly-drained reservoir, Bennet heard from local leaders and stakeholders about the history and significance of the site.

“We will do whatever it is we can do to help write a piece of legislation to make the conveyance a possibility,â€...