A hole in Durango’s water bucket

To the Editor,
Several years ago, The Durango Herald had an article on the cost of pumping water uphill from the Animas River to Lake Nighthorse. If my memory is correct, the amount was $60,000/day. As of now, the Bureau of Reclamation pays for this bill. On a recent front page, there is a plan to pipe water from Lake Nighthorse to Lake Durango.

I believe there should be another solution. The developments served by Lake Durango are already expensive. Should they pay for the pumping costs or will the Bureau of Reclamation be stuck with a bigger bill?

There should have been another way to settle water rights with the Southern Utes. Too late now, but to consider pouring more money into transporting Animas River water, that is already contaminated from old mining sites from Silverton, uphill to a reservoir is absolutely absurd. Unfortunately, the town of Durango consumes river water when the reservoir above Fort Lewis College is dry.

I have an inexpensive filtering system and urge everyone to get one, no matter where their water comes from.
– Sally Florence, Durango

Dance has vision to guide LPEA

To the editor,
Living in Durango since ’75, I’ve seen quite a few changes. One of the more promising is the opportunity to vote for the kind of person who understands the importance of local independence. One who knows how to use the best methods and business practices in a locally responsible and respectful way, and knows how to take that ethic into a public utility that impacts all of us.

In Alison Dance, we have such a person. She is a clear choice for local control of La Plata Electric Association and the energy we use to propel ourselves into the 21st century. She has a vision for creating solutions that make dollars and sense for our economy and environment. This vision includes local energy production, greater efficiencies that keep dollars from flowing out of the local economy, and sensible rate structures that reward us for better use of electricity. They include real job creation and guiding an energy coop in tune with the things that make SW Colorado such a great part of the world. LPEA can be a model of responsiveness to and a reflection of those it serves. Vision, experience, leadership and a keen ability to listen and act have made Dance a very successful business owner, and will serve us well when elected as a board member of the LPEA. Please vote for Alison Dance, LPEA District Four.
– Rich Fletcher, Durango