For immediate release: October 1, 2009
Contact: (202) 225-4761
Eric Wortman, Communications Director
Congressman Salazar Secures Funding for the Jackson Gulch Project as Member of House/Senate Conference Committee
Announces $1.75 million currently designated for critical water project in Mancos Valley
WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier today, the House of Representatives voted 308-114 in favor of Energy and Water Conference Report, including $1.75 million to save critical water infrastructure for the residents of the Mancos Valley and Mesa Verde National Park.
Congressman Salazar fought for the funding throughout the year, first as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and yesterday as a member of the Joint House Senate Conference Committee that approved the final funding.
The funding is needed to extend the life of the aging Mancos Project on the Mancos River north of Mancos in Montezuma County. The Jackson Gulch reservoir supplies water to the town of Mancos, the Mancos Water Conservancy District, the Mancos Rural Water Company and is the sole supplier of municipal water for Mesa Verde National Park. The project provides irrigation water for over 13,000 acres.
“The Mancos project is the main source of agricultural, domestic and recreational water in the Mancos Valley and for Mesa Verde National Park,” said Congressman Salazar. “This is the best day of my legislative career. My constituents in that area depend on that water and the agricultural land it irrigates to make their living and to put food on our tables. They cannot afford to lose their water supply and I will continue to fight for them.”
“The members and Board of the Mancos Water Conservancy District want to thank Congressman Salazar as well as all of our Senators that have worked hard and supported this effort. Now we can continue with the needed rehabilitations,” said Gary Kennedy, Superintendent of the Mancos Water Conservancy District.
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