Monday, October 20, 2008

Pitkin County: Referendum 1A Here's a look at Referendum 1A in Pitkin County from the Aspen Daily News: Referendum 1A -- Dedicated sales tax for healthy rivers and streams This measure would increase county sales taxes by one-tenth of one percent -- 10 cents on every purchase of a $100 -- and would produce about $1 million per year. Pitkin County would spend the money to protect the quantity and quality of water in the Roaring Fork River watershed. About 40 percent of the water that naturally runs into the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork rivers is currently diverted in tunnels under the Continental Divide to cities and farms on the Front Range. Population growth, drought, climate change and energy development are all expected to put more pressure on the water in local rivers and streams. The county intends to use the money to develop water leases to keep water in the river to protect aquatic habitat, and when possible to purchase water rights. The revenue will also be used to hire water engineers and water attorneys to better understand and protect local water resources from additional transmountain diversions. Vote yes if you want to protect local rivers in the face of growing threats. Vote no if you think local sales taxes are high enough and the county should limit its role in water protection efforts. Category: Colorado Water 7:50:45 AM     Amendment 52 Here's an opinion piece in opposition to Amendment 52, written by former State Engineer Hal Simpson, from the Denver Post. He writes: Amendment 52 would divert up to $134 million over the next three years that could be used for critically needed water projects. Examples of recent loans made by the CWCB include $60 million for the Republican River Compact compliance pipeline near Wray and $70 million for the local cost share for a federally funded Arkansas pipeline to deliver high-quality water to communities along the Arkansas River. Once paid off, the loans will provide an opportunity for other water projects since the funds are perpetually available for water projects. Amendment 52 would, if approved, allow the legislature to fund unspecified highway projects for a one-time use. Amendment 52 is short-sighted and wrong for Colorado, and I encourage you to vote "no." More Coyote Gulch coverage here. Category: Colorado Water 7:40:39 AM

© Copyright 2008 John Orr. Last update: 11/1/08; 8:08:44 PM.