[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 120 (Friday, September 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO NORTHERN COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 1998

  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD). 
During the August district work period, Mr. Eric Wilkinson and Mr. 
Brian Werner were kind enough to spend some time speaking with a member 
of my staff. NCWCD took two busloads of interested people on their 
annual Colorado-Big Thompson Project, West Slope tour. There, Eric, 
Brian and others shared hours of information, history and stories 
regarding one of Colorado's most important water projects. Their tour 
is a real tribute to the public and serves to educate scores of people 
on the importance of water to Colorado. I commend the district for 
conducting these wonderful tours and for their other important public 
outreach projects.
  Currently, NCWCD is working with the Bureau of Reclamation on the 
issue of dam seepage at Horsetooth. The seepage is not serious 
according to NCWCD and the Bureau, but both entities are concerned 
about public reaction. I understand a recent public meeting on the 
topic went far to address the concerns of local citizens. Drill testing 
is occurring now to determine how the dam is settling. The NCWCD would 
also like to do a land exchange to acquire land appurtenant to the 
Windy Gap pipeline. The exchange is proceeding administratively, and I 
have encouraged the Forest Service to facilitate that process.
  The Poudre River Corridor Act is also important to NCWCD. Under the 
Act, a state commission is to be set up for innovative projects and 
ideas. I am following up with technical corrections needed to help 
establish this long-overdue commission. I look forward to working on 
these and other issues with all of the hard-working, dedicated people 
of the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. They have my 
strong support and commendations for supplying Colorado's farms, 
ranches and cities with safe, clean water. I look forward to working 
with the NCWCD on these and other important issues.

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