MEEKER | Water, growth, energy development and the future of Rio Blanco County dominated discussion during a candidate forum hosted by the White River Alliance featuring county commissioner candidates Rich Ford and Travis Day.
Held in Meeker, the forum focused heavily on declining river flows, water storage, mosquito spraying, recreation growth and how the county should balance economic development with protecting natural resources.
Both candidates repeatedly emphasized the importance of water to the county’s future economy and quality of life.
“Water is life,” Ford said. “You can’t have life without water. You can’t have an economy without water.”
Day agreed, calling water “the basis of everything,” while discussing the importance of maintaining river health and protecting return flows through irrigation practices.
The discussion centered around concerns raised by the White River Alliance and state water officials showing a reported 15-20% decline in White River water volume during the past 25 years.
Both candidates pointed to water storage as a major long-term solution, though each emphasized somewhat different approaches.
Ford strongly advocated for additional reservoirs and storage projects.
“I don’t think it’s an issue of can we afford to build water storage,” Ford said. “I think it’s a question of can we afford not to build water storage.”
Day also supported additional storage but highlighted alternatives such as underground storage and aquifer recharge projects, saying reservoir permitting can take decades.
“The best time for water storage was 20 years ago or today,” Day said.
The candidates also addressed how declining water availability could affect future development, housing and industry.
Day pointed to one immediate issue facing the county — the lack of augmentation plans needed for new subdivisions under 35 acres.
“There are no new subdivisions under 35 acres right now,” Day said. “You don’t have water, you can’t get well permits.”
Ford focused more broadly on maintaining quality of life to attract residents and businesses.
“People are fleeing the cities,” Ford said. “They’re wanting a quieter life, they’re wanting to reconnect with nature, and we’ve got all that to offer.”
Energy development was another major topic during the forum.
Both candidates voiced support for continued oil and gas development while emphasizing modern environmental practices used by the industry.
Day said newer oil and gas projects now rely on larger centralized well pads and increased water recycling.
“They’re doing a much, much better job of being environmentally friendly now,” Day said.
Ford argued that oil and gas currently remains more practical than some alternative energy technologies.
“It doesn’t do us any good if we just look at it self-seeking,” Ford said while discussing lithium mining impacts in South America tied to battery production.
The candidates also discussed emerging industries including nuclear energy and data centers.
Neither candidate fully opposed nuclear development, though both stressed concerns about water demand.
Ford said the county should maintain “a seat at the table” in nuclear discussions rather than automatically rejecting proposals.
Day said modern nuclear technology deserves consideration as the county looks for future jobs and economic diversification.
Data centers, however, raised stronger concerns from both candidates due to their significant water and power needs.
Another issue generating agreement between the candidates was mosquito spraying and concerns about aerial insecticides affecting aquatic insects and pollinators.
Day referenced earlier algae studies conducted on the White River and noted the Town of Meeker largely stopped spraying unless public health concerns arise.
Ford, who said he keeps bees, spoke strongly against widespread spraying.
“We need our pollinators,” Ford said. “We don’t have crops without pollinators.”
The forum also addressed recreation growth and its impact on county resources.
Ford highlighted recreation and tourism as economic opportunities benefiting restaurants, hotels and local businesses.
“At the same time, there is financial benefit to our community,” Ford said.
Day cautioned that recreation also places pressure on natural resources and may fluctuate with the economy.
“Recreation doesn’t come without a cost,” Day said.
Toward the end of the forum, both candidates emphasized the need for greater unity within Rio Blanco County.
Though Ford and Day offered different perspectives on recreation, development and economic diversification, the candidates found common ground on the need for additional water planning, continued support for local industry and greater cooperation across the county.
Travis Day (left) and Rich Ford (right) sit behind a table during a White River Alliance candidate forum focused on water, growth, energy development and the future of local natural resources. STEVE COLEY PHOTO
