Rep. Tipton discusses PILT funding, endangered species with commissioners

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Congressman Scott Tipton was in Grand Junction Tuesday to meet with the Mesa County commissioners.

Several issues were on the agenda, including PILT funding and the Endangered Species Act.

Commissioner Rose Pugliese says Mesa County is the largest recipient of PILT funding in Colorado, and not receiving that money would cost our community more than 60 critical jobs.

Tipton also says he is supporting legislation to use science to define an "endangered habitat."

Getting feedback from the commissioners is what the congressman says can move our state in the right direction.

"The insights [from the commissioners] - help us work together to make sure we're making policies - not becoming a stumbling block but a stepping stone - to be able to actually achieve some economic growth," says Tipton.

Another issue that was discussed was the lack of funding for the Grand Junction Regional Airport.

Since a FBI investigation was launched into alleged mis-management, construction has been halted at the airport.

Commissioner Scott McInnis says he's hoping Tipton will help push forward grants to complete this major economic driver in our area.

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