Congressman Salazar Creates Third Congressional District Coalition of Water Users

DENVER, CO – At the Water Congress meeting in Denver today, Congressman John Salazar (C0-3) inaugurated the Third Congressional District Coalition of Water Users, an informal group of leaders and managers representing the major water districts and organizations within Salazar’s district. Throughout the day, Salazar discussed the principles that have guided his work as a water district board member and will continue to guide him as a Member of Congress.

“Water is the lifeblood of our rural communities and we must all work together to protect our water interests,” said Salazar. “We must adequately compensate basins of origin for any trans-basin diversions. We must protect Colorado’s agricultural heritage by ensuring that our farmers and ranchers have the water they need. And we must keep Colorado’s water in Colorado.”

The Coalition is chaired by Chris Treese, the Manager of External Affairs for the Colorado River Water Conservation District. Attendees included Steve Harris with the Southwest Water Conservation District and Ralph Curtis with the Rio Grande Conservation District. Salazar led the group in an informal discussion on the water challenges facing the 109th Congress.
 
“Drought and continuous growth in the Western States is creating many challenges that can only be dealt with if the affected parties work together,” said Salazar.

Said Treese: “This Coalition geographically represents the entire Congressional district and we are pleased that Congressman Salazar has encouraged us to work together.  Today’s meeting has helped  us lay the foundation for how we can all communicate and operate to best serve the interests of the entire district.”