Congressman Salazar Secures Significant Increase in Animas-La Plata Project Funds

House Appropriations Committee Approves $56M Allocation

WASHINGTON, DC – The Animas La Plata project overcame a major hurdle today, when Congressman John T. Salazar (CO-3) secured a significant increase in federal dollars for the water storage project. Citing the need for a greater water supply and job creation in Southwest Colorado, Salazar united the Colorado delegation behind a request to increase the funds for ALP development. Salazar’s consistent push for adequate funding paid off today, when the House Appropriations Committee approved a $56 million allocation.

“This is great news for the development of Southwest Colorado,” said Salazar. “The Appropriations Committee’s support in securing the additional money is a huge step. I am pleased that my colleagues recognize the importance of completing the ALP project and providing the Southwest corner with much needed water and jobs.”
 
The Animas-La Plata project is a water storage project first authorized in the 1960’s. Lately, the project has met with criticism for cost overruns. Salazar toured the ALP site in January and believes the lack of consistent, adequate funding as a key reason the project has become so costly.  The Administration’s current budget included $52 million for the ALP, a number that falls short of the amount needed to complete the project on time.

“The fight isn’t over yet, we’ll have to keep the pressure on so that this money gets approved by the full House next week,” said Salazar. “But investing the right amount of money now will make sure problems are solved at the get go and save more money down the line.”

Typically, the biggest hurdle in the appropriations process is securing the initial approval in Committee. Next week, the House of Representative is scheduled to consider the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2006 next week. The Senate will consider its own version in the coming months.