City Officials: Ark Valley's Future of the Line

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Tl1e Pueblo Chieftain Online - Wednesday May 8th, 2002 Page 3 of 4 the valley, we could live with that. But we would have to get language that there could be no further transfers out of the basin, and the Bureau of Reclamation would have to be restricted in the legislation if it's to be effective." Evett agreed that the city should require language banning further transfers out of the Arkansas basin. There is a provision requiring a conservation district's approval of transfers out of the basin, but critics think there should be an outright ban. "We look at it as the (conservancy) district doing a power grab, but the district says they want to protect us from the bureau," Evett said. "I think we need some specific language that neither the district nor the bureau has the power to transfer water out of the basin. "This legislation may be the last, best hope for the future of the Arkansas Valley," he said. "Utilities people tend to think of so many cubic feet of water and how do we supply drinking water to our customers, and that's it. I should know: I used to be a utilities manager. But we need to take a broader view." As a regional center for shopping, health care and recreation for Southeastern Colorado, Pueblo's economy depends on the river not only through the city but also in downstream communities, Evett said. "The regulation of the river, the quality of water downstream, and the future of the downstream communities - these are core issues that really go to the heart of this whole region." Back to top E -mail this story to a friend ,0„Print this story http : / /www.chieftain.comlwednesday /news /index/article /1 5/8/02