CONGRESSMAN SALAZAR SECURES MILLIONS FOR SE COLORADO WATER PROJECTS

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WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Salazar (CO-3) won a key victory for Southeast Colorado today when Congress approved $350,000 for the Arkansas River Habitat Restoration Project and $789,000 for the Trinidad Lake Project. The appropriation of the funds came as a direct result of Salazar’s fight to include the projects in the 2007 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill

“Water is the lifeblood of our rural communities,” said Salazar.  “I can’t emphasize how important it is to invest back into local water infrastructure.  Without this investment, we would continue to see a decline in the management of this irreplaceable resource.”

The 2007 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill provides funds for the Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of Energy and related agencies. Salazar emphasized the need to continue water development and provide adequate funds for successful completion of existing projects. 

Arkansas River Habitat Restoration Project - $350,000 – a $35,000 increase from 2006
Funds secured through this bill will allow for the completion of this important environmental restoration project. In cooperation with the City of Pueblo, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed 90% of the project

Trinidad Lake Project– $789,000
Emphasizing maintenance of existing projects, Salazar secured a $50,000 increase for operation and maintenance of the Trinidad Lake. Trinidad Lake is a multipurpose project for flood control, irrigation and recreation, and was authorized by the 1958 Flood Control Act.  The lake is located in southern Colorado on the Purgatoire River, and bordered by the historic Santa Fe Trail.