State, federal dollars sought



By RUTH HEIDE

ALAMOSA — Things are looking up for Alamosa in the aftermath of its water emergency.

The city received word last week of $1 million from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to build a new water tank, and local officials meeting with state and federal officials last weekend learned that more money might be on its way.

Alamosa Mayor Farris Bervig said on Tuesday that the exact cost to the city of its water emergency is still being tabulated and additional expenses may still come in. Initial estimates totaled $600,000 not counting all of the cost to flush the city’s salmonella-contaminated water system with chlorine. The water tank replacement, something in the city’s plans that was expedited as a result of the water emergency, will cost approximately $2.5 million.

Bervig said the $1 million grant from the state would go a long way towards that $2.5 million cost. He added that both U.S. Senator Ken Salazar and U.S. Representative John Salazar are also working on funding that could help with such costs in the future.

John Salazar and State Senator Gail Schwartz attended a meeting last weekend in Alamosa. Both promised continued efforts to assist Alamosa with the expenses arising from the water crisis.

Congressman Salazar said he is working on legislative language that would make Colorado and communities like Alamosa eligible for funding under the Water Resources Development Act of 1999. He said it would take a couple of years to get through that process. Bervig said when the Salazars met with city officials early on in the water crisis they spoke about trying to find $500,000 for the city and he hoped that would still be the case. He said another half-million-dollar grant would help the city with projects such as the water tower construction.

Bervig said all of the funding from other sources helps alleviate the pressure on the city’s resources and ultimately the citizens who pay the bills.

Schwartz told city officials she had called both the governor’s office and state health department on Thursday and Friday of last week asking for additional emergency funding. The governor provided $300,000 early on in emergency funding for Alamosa.

Schwartz commended DOLA Director Susan Kirkpatrick for responding so quickly to Alamosa’s need in providing the $1 million grant. “I have been in touch with DOLA and made certain they knew how important it was that we get support for the community,” Schwartz said. “This is very exciting.”

She said this $1 million from DOLA could be used as a match for federal funding.

“I think it is looking very promising,” Schwartz said. “I was very pleased.”

Mayor Bervig thanked Schwartz during her meeting last weekend for her part in obtaining the $1 million grant for Alamosa. “She is really trying to make an effort and have her presence shown in the Valley,” Bervig said. “I commend her for that.”

Schwartz also talked with local residents about legislation she is working on at the state level that could help the San Luis Valley. For example, Schwartz said she carried senate legislation coinciding with House Bill 1164 that promotes concentrated solar technology. She said the legislation she is proposing makes a strong statement about the state’s intention to pursue concentrated solar energy, and the San Luis Valley will reap the benefits of that.

Schwartz is also promoting legislation to provide broadband connectivity in the state and is excited about legislation she carried to provide $1 billion to build new schools in the K-12 system. “We will be starting with a lot of the schools in the Valley,” she said.

Schwartz was also excited about higher education funding. One of the projects to be funded locally is the renovation of Richardson Hall at Adams State College.

Schwartz is also carrying a bill that will remove some of the confidentiality barriers to information about prospecting permits. She said it is only fair in this day and age for communities affected by mining activities to know what is going on. Schwartz said she would be focusing on this legislation this week.