Congressman Salazar Brings Delegation Together to Discuss PSOP

WASHINGTON, DC – In the first session of what will now be an ongoing dialogue, Congressman John Salazar (CO-3) yesterday brought together his Congressional colleagues to discuss the Lower Arkansas Valley’s concerns with the Proposed Storage Option Plan (PSOP).  Congressmen Hefley (CO-5), Beauprez (CO-7), and Udall (CO-2) joined Salazar in a historic meeting, agreeing to work together to address the needs of their local communities.

“My first meeting with my delegation colleagues has given me reason to be optimistic,” said Salazar. “We all agree it’s not easy to resolve water issues, that the state has more needs than it has water. We have agreed to keep the dialogue open and to work together to address the needs of our local communities.”

The PSOP legislation would allow water to be transferred from Lake Pueblo (Salazar) to Colorado Springs (Hefley) and Aurora (Beauprez). Salazar and Udall also represent portions of the Western Slope that will be affected by the bill.

“It is my top priority that a voice is given to the small, rural communities in these discussions. Rural communities might not have the money or the numbers, but I am ready to serve as their voice. More water storage is needed, but we cannot provide water to urban areas at the expense of our rural communities. We must protect agriculture and the Lower Arkansas and I shared that perspective with my colleagues," said Salazar.