For Immediate Release Thursday, September 11, 2008	CONTACT: Steve Wymer (Allard) 202-224-6207 Matt Lee-Ashley (Salazar) - (202) 228-5905
Energy Committee Approves New Authorization for Construction of Ark Valley Conduit Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Wayne Allard and Ken Salazar of Colorado announced today that the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has approved new authorization for the construction of the Ark Valley Conduit. The latest authorization will provide a long-sought cost sharing provision between the federal government and local entities that is needed to cover the estimated $300 million in construction costs. “Today’s action is the culmination of more than four decades of hard work to make this project a reality,” said Allard. “The committee’s approval of this legislation will provide a reliable source of clean and affordable water to thousands of people throughout the lower Arkansas Valley. With the help of many Colorado leaders over the years, I am proud to have proposed, supported and passed a variety of legislative vehicles during my time in the Senate that have aided in this project’s necessary development. I am confident that current and future Colorado leaders will continue to carry this torch and ensure that water supply and storage issues in Southern Colorado remain a top priority.” “We took a giant step forward today toward fulfilling the promise of the Arkansas Valley Conduit, and to deliver the clean drinking water that these communities should have,” said Sen. Salazar. “I appreciate the support of all my colleagues on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee as we move this bill one step closer to becoming law. This bill is the product of a great deal of hard work, creative thinking, and represents a novel approach to funding a large-scale water project. The Conduit will help southern Colorado communities reduce existing water treatment costs and to better conserve and manage their existing groundwater resources and infrastructure. This new source of clean drinking water will make a real difference in towns and rural communities all along the Arkansas River.” The Arkansas Valley Conduit will deliver clean water to 16 cities and 25 water agencies in Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Prowers, Pueblo and Otero counties when completed - an area slightly larger than the state of New Hampshire. “Senator Salazar and I are pleased with the bipartisan support given today by the Senate Energy Committee and I know we will work tirelessly in the closing days of this session to ensure this legislation gains final approval,” concluded Allard. # # #