Protecting Critical Watersheds
The two most devastating Colorado fires this season, High Park and Waldo Canyon, burned more than 100,000 acres and led to the catastrophic loss of property and regrettably loss of life. Now as Coloradans pick up the pieces, the burned and barren areas present an additional threat. Without site rehabilitation and restoration, the watersheds that provide municipal and agricultural water supplies are at risk from landslides, flooding and erosion, which could result in serious infrastructure damage, water supply disruptions and even loss of life. This is why I filed an amendment to funding legislation that would provide additional emergency funds for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. This program provides funding and technical support to restore and stabilize soil in critical watersheds in the aftermath of severe wild fires and other natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes - which is also important to many Americans in our coastal states. Though my amendment was not included, I will continue to fight to protect critical watersheds across our state and won't stop until Colorado receives the support we desperately need.
If you have further questions about this or any other issue, please contact me with your concerns.
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