Coffman Lauds Leadership Behind Historic Water Agreement

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman lauded the signing of a major agreement between Denver Water and West Slope leaders.

The Colorado River Cooperative Agreement (CRCA), signed today by Denver Water, Grand and Summit counties and the Clinton Ditch & Reservoir Co., resolves historic conflicts among water interests and sets forth a new, collaborative approach toward water management and development. The CRCA establishes a shared vision for better river health and a future of cooperation in handling water matters by bringing benefits to Coloradans on both sides of the Continental Divide - stretching from the Front Range to the state's western border.

"By signing this agreement, Denver Water and West Slope leaders are putting an end to the water wars of yesterday and establishing a new approach that protects the environment and provides the water we need for economic growth," Rep. Coffman said. "The positive effects of their vision and leadership will ripple throughout the state for decades to come."

Coffman said that the CRCA allows a critical project to move forward that is designed to increase the reliability and availability of water to the Denver Metro region. Denver Water's Moffat Collection System Project will deliver increased water supply and improve the reliability of the Denver Water's system for the 1.3 million people it serves.

"The drought we face right now underscores how critically important this projects is," said Coffman. "We need greater certainty with our future water supply in order to grow jobs and maintain our quality of life. The CRCA enables projects like Moffat to move forward in a collaborative manner, while also protecting our state's environment. This is a win-win for the 6th Congressional District and all of Colorado."

Source