U.S. Water News Online
DENVER -- The full House has given its approval to a plan that would allow a Rio Grande Water Conservation subdistrict to charge fees that opponents say would drive some farmers in the San Luis Valley out of business.
The bill (Senate Bill 21) now goes back to the Senate to consider amendments added by the House.
Lawmakers said without the fees, the state water engineer might have to shut off 5,000 wells because of the recent drought. They said one way or the other, the valley will be forced to idle 40,000 acres of farmland.
"We're authorizing a fee for the state to do what the state engineer is threatening to do, shut the wells down. There has to be choices other than such excessive fees on irrigation wells so they can't continue using the wells," said Rep. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud.
Rep. Rafael Gallegos, D-Antonito, said the water district petitioned lawmakers to allow them to impose the fees rather than facing a shutdown of the wells and the state should grant their wishes.
Return to the U.S. Water News Archives page Or Return to the U.S. Water News Homepage
Editor@uswaternews.com
*Your Name:
*Your Email:
*Friend's Email:
Use a comma to separate e-mail addresses:
*Your Comments:
Hi, I thought you might like to read this article.
*Required Fields