In the News...

Summer meetings keep senator busy

Tuesday, September 7 2010

Durango Herald
By Senator Bruce Whitehead
September 05, 2010

It is hard to believe we are now to the Labor Day weekend with fall just around the corner. Most of the county fairs are behind us, and all the hard work for the 4-H families has paid off. The harvest in the gardens is ongoing, and the kids are excited to be back in school. Senate duties are never-ending, and there has not been any idle time.

I spoke at a number of events last month, including a workshop sponsored by the Colorado Water Trust and San Juan Citizens Alliance; the annual meeting for the San Juan Watershed conservation (soil) districts, a micro-hydro power workshop organized by La Plata Electric Association; and the Southwestern Water Conservation District. And as chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee, I provided a legislative update to the Colorado Water Congress.

I also attended the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado workshop in Durango, met with the Southwest Council of Governments, toured the Boys and Girls Club and met with other state water leaders at the Inter-Basin Compact Committee (IBCC) meeting.

I am the Senate representative on the IBCC, and the group has been meeting over the last five years to discuss how to meet future water demands projected for Colorado. Population projections show that the state could double in population by 2050 with a limited water supply, and the general consensus of the group is that advanced planning for new projects and conservation practices will reduce the need to purchase irrigation water rights and dry up agricultural land.

I also attended a meeting that U.S. Rep. John Salazar, D-Manassa, facilitated with the Federal Communications Commission regarding television in southwestern Colorado, and I submitted comments regarding the rule-making process. There are no guarantees, but this appears to be a step forward in getting Denver TV for the region.

As a member of the Transportation Committee, I attended regional transportation planning meetings with local government officials and the Colorado Department of Transportation. CDOT held meetings with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to provide the annual report and update and to discuss transportation issues relevant to the tribes. Many issues were discussed, including the need for improvements to Colorado Highway 491 between Towaoc and Cortez.

It always is gratifying to see projects reach completion. The grand opening of the Fort Lewis College Student Union was attended by many dignitaries. The Student Union will provide a gathering point for students and will be an attractive centerpiece for FLC.

A rural health clinic opened in Norwood, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last week. The opening of the clinic will increase accessibility to health care in this rural area of the state.

Also, I attended the celebration of the opening of La Plata County Road 210, which is the replacement road for County Road 211 that was inundated by the construction of Ridges Basin Dam and Lake Nighthorse. The public now will be able to catch a glimpse of this wonderful resource located in Durango's backyard.

After meeting with constituents, it is apparent that one of the major concerns of this area is the economy and jobs. I have convened a work group to facilitate the exchange of information regarding programs and resources that are available in the region to promote economic development, and will be scheduling a number of meetings throughout the district to discuss these opportunities with my constituents.

I also have been asked to provide more information about legislation specific to water and agriculture, so I will schedule separate town hall meetings throughout the district to provide a summary and to seek input from the folks I represent. Information about these meetings and events can be found on my website at www.senatorwhitehead.com.

The campaign continues, but I remain committed to my Senate duties as I receive input from my constituents and prepare for the next challenging legislative session.