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June 9, 2012--Shaffer calls on Governor Hickenlooper to lift stay on irrigation wells (La Junta Tribune)

Senate President Brandon Shaffer wrote Governor John Hickenlooper asking the Governor to declare a state of emergency and to immediately overrule the stay that is prohibiting the use of irrigation wells for grain and vegetable crops. President Shaffer said, “Crops that were planted in good faith will wither to the ground and cause enormous economic loss for these growers and for all the allied industries that supply and market these products.” “When our friends and neighbors are hurting and when we can provide them a solution, it is unconscionable that we do not take action.” President Shaffer encouraged the Governor to act quickly under his authority to allow the wells to be pumped for a 30-day period. This will give time to explore a longer-term solution. President Shaffer has long been involved in water issues in Colorado, serving on Governor Ritter's South Platte River Basin Task Force in 2007 to look at the question of water allocation. He also authored legislation to increase the authority of the State Water Engineer in 2008.

To view the full article, visit the La Junta Tribune. For a copy of the original article contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango, Colorado.


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