Otero/Aurora Issues Remain: Tribune-Democrat

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_7, b1- -�)- "0c'�_P\ \_ 0 -2�_-(2)'\N Otero/ • Conservancy districumay go forward Aurot.,a ing a final agreement and will meet in a special"SECWCD meeting Oct. 4 at 9 am. in the district office in Pueblo. Two months ago, the district and By ANDREA RICH Aurora had several unresolved It is unclear whether the unre- issues, and one of those was the solved issues between the city of fact that Otero and Aurora hadn't Aurora and Otero County will'stop come to their own agreement. the Southeast Water Conservancy Otero County placed a list of District from finalizing its inter- demands on Aurora to compensate governmental agreement, with for the loss of economy if that city Aurora on Oct. 4. - - moves the majority of the Rocky SECWCD has been negotiating Ford Ditch out of the valley (the issues on the use of Pueblo Reser- case is pending in water court). voir and -possible participation in Aurora and Otero County negotiat- the expansion of, the reservoir by ed through last spring before a Aurora. The two entities are near- breakdown in communication X51 • I.Ssue,s,.. stalled efforts to reach an agree- ment. Last month Aurora.took the responsibility, for that breakdown in communication and talks resumed.' Some issues have been settled, but others remain at an impasse. In a meeting in Pueblo Wednesday (Sept. 26) described as `.`a roller coaster of emotion by SECWCD General Manager Steve Arveschoug, there "were ,high points and there were low points" when Otero and Aurora negotiated once again, with SECWCD,serving as the mediator. - ".I think they will eventually reach an agreement," Arveschoug said of Aurora and Otero. "I think remain the commissioners are representing their constituents well." When asked if Aurora and Otero's impasse will stop the dis- trict from, signing,an intergovern- mental agreement as proposed Oct. 4, Arveschoug said "not necessari- ly." He plans to present an IGA to the district board that is a product of multiple meetings with Aurora representatives, including Doug Kemper, the acting water utilities director for. Aurora. Arveschoug said he 'will present. an IGA and inform the board of any progress Otero and Aurora have made, and Please see ISSUES page 11