Dear Editor:
The Rangely Chamber of Commerce wants to thank our Rio Blanco County Commissioners for supporting the permitting of a new White River Basin water supply project.
Water is economic development. We are very appreciative our Commissioners have the foresight to invest in Rio Blanco County’s economy. We are losing tax base County wide because of dramatic changes in the use of fossil fuels. Our Commissioners are taking the lead in addressing this economic crisis head on.
A new water supply project on the lower White River is needed to help Rio Blanco’s agriculture and regional economy. A new supply of water helps all agriculture producer’s dependent on the White River. Late season water flows will provide more production in Rangely without water impacts on upper White River agriculture producers.
A new reservoir not only preserves our existing flatwater recreation but grows our ability to expand this important part of our economy. Post construction economic benefits of a new off channel storage reservoir are $535 million in spending and $19 million in sales tax revenue. It is estimated there will be 360 new jobs for the first 30 years, and this is excluding new and existing agriculture opportunities. The economic benefits alone from construction will surpass RBC’s contribution to permitting.
Clearly, a new water storage project is economic development while also providing a foundation for RBC’s future. Our County Commissioners, with the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District, are leading us in the right direction.
Sincerely,
The Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce
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