The Eagle County commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 24 to spend up to $1.75 million to help acquire conservation easements on the Grange Ranch in Basalt's outskirts.

The governments of Pitkin County and Basalt also contributed funds for the $5 million deal. The purchase will eliminate the possibility of development on 245 acres just downvalley from the Big O Tire Store in Basalt. Billy Grange and his nephews will continue to run a cattle operation on the property for as long as they want.

Pitkin County has committed $3 million to the purchase. Basalt has committed $250,000 from its general fund. The town will consider contributing an additional $500,000 if voters approve its proposal for a 1 percent sales tax next month.

If Basalt contributes more to the deal, it could potentially reduce Eagle County's contribution to $1.25 million, according to a news release from Eagle County. About 32 of the 245 acres of the ranch are in Eagle County, including wildlife habitat along the Roaring Fork River.

Eagle County is using funds raised by an open space tax voters approved in 2002. Commissioners Arn Menconi, Peter Runyon and Tom Stone said in a prepared statement that the Grange Ranch was an ideal project for which to use open space funds.