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U.S.
Senator Member: Finance, Agriculture, Energy, Ethics and Aging Committees |
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For Immediate
Release Wednesday, May 21, 2008 |
CONTACT: Stephanie Valencia – 202-494- 8790 |
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| Congress Authorizes Senator Salazar's Fountain Creek Flood Control Study WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed a resolution authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with a critical component of United States Senator Ken Salazar’s vision to transform and restore the Fountain Creek watershed in Southern Colorado. The resolution, derived from Senator Salazar’s Fountain Creek Watershed Feasibility Study Act of 2007 (S.2384), tasks the Army Corps of Engineers with studying the feasibility of constructing a multipurpose project consisting of one or more dams, reservoirs or other structures to provide more reliable flood and sediment control, to conserve fish and wildlife and preserve their ecosystem, and to improve the water quality throughout the Fountain Creek watershed. “The authorization of this critical flood control and environmental restoration study is an important step toward implementing our vision to restore Fountain Creek as a crown jewel in Colorado,” said Senator Ken Salazar. “Fountain Creek has the potential to provide unmatched recreational opportunities, healthy habitat for wildlife to flourish and continued productive agricultural lands. While there are major flood control and water quality issues that we need to address, the study we authorized today will help transform the corridor between Colorado Springs and Pueblo into an environmental, agricultural, and recreational amenity for Southern Colorado and the entire state.” The Fountain Creek Watershed Feasibility Study Act of 2007 (S.2384), which was the basis for the resolution that passed the Environment and Public Works Committee today, was the result of many discussions Senator Salazar had with local elected officials and stakeholders in communities that are affected by the watershed. In 2006, Senator Salazar first convened the Fountain Creek forum that focused on developing solutions to improve and clean up Fountain Creek. Last Fall, Senator Salazar unveiled his vision for Fountain Creek in a report intended to convey possibilities, stimulate discussion and help initiate a region-wide process to expand economic and recreational opportunities along Fountain Creek, including the creation of a new state park. Senator Salazar’s vision emphasizes regional cooperation between the communities of Fountain Creek, Pueblo and Colorado Springs. The watershed itself comprises 927 square miles, but the impact of its water flow extends far beyond its strict boundaries. According to the 2000 census, more than 500,000 people live in the watershed’s boundaries. The watershed serves municipal, industrial and agricultural uses. Creeks within the watershed contribute about 15 percent of the drinking water for Colorado Springs and are a source of irrigation for over 100 farms and ranches. Congress may provide the Army Corps of Engineers the authority to conduct this type of feasibility study either through legislation, passed by both chambers and signed by the President, or through a committee resolution, passed by either the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee or the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. To execute the studies, the Army Corps of Engineers must then receive appropriated funds through the annual Energy and Water Appropriations Act. Below is the text of the actual resolution: 110th Congress United States
Senate
RESOLVED BY THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE Fountain Creek Watershed, Colorado that the Secretary of the Army is requested to review the report of the Chief of Engineers on the Arkansas River and Tributaries dated April 27, 1971, the Fountain Creek Watershed Study scheduled for completion in September 2008, and other pertinent reports, including all potential alternatives and options, with a view to determining whether any modifications of the recommendations contained therein are advisable in the interest of ecosystem restoration, flood control, storage, sediment control, and other allied purposes in the Fountain Creek Basin upstream of Pueblo, Colorado.
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