Salazar Secures Funding For Colorado Water Projects

Animas La Plata, Arkansas River Habitat Restoration, and Fountain Creek Study

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Rep. John Salazar (CO-3) hailed the House floor passage of the 2007 Energy and Water Bill and was instrumental in securing millions of dollars for the Animas La Plata Project, the Arkansas River Habitat Restoration Project, and the Fountain Creek Watershed Study.

“Water is the lifeblood of our rural communities.  Improving water access and development is vital if we are to continue building up these areas.  I am proud to serve in a Congress where small towns receive the funding they deserve.  Congress is making an important statement today by ensuring that proper funding is available to smaller communities that need it the most,” said Rep. Salazar.

Animas LaPlata Project (ALP) - $60 million:

Salazar helped secure an additional $2 million in funding—raising the total amount to $60 million. Originally, the president requested only 58 Million for ALP, which doesn’t reach the full funding levels requested annually, and as a result raises the overall total cost. By fully funding the project each year, it can be built more efficiently with crews and all equipment being utilized on the site. Also, with rising costs of project materials including steel, fuel, and concrete, full funding is more effective and saves taxpayers money in the long run.

ALP is needed to implement the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Final Settlement Agreement providing final settlement of water right claims for both the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes. The project will also provide water for the city of Durango as well as other entities.

Arkansas River Fisheries Habitat Restoration - $155,000:

This is an important environmental restoration project.  In cooperation with the City of Pueblo, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed more than 90 percent of the project.

Fountain Creek Watershed Study - $150,000:

This money will fund the remainder of the Fountain Creek Watershed Study under the U.S. Army Corps that will analyze the watershed from a regional perspective and to address flood control, erosion and sedimentation, and environmental needs.

The 2007 Energy and Water Development Bill funds projects for the Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy and other related agencies.  Funding is used to improve water infrastructure and energy research.