Facebook Twitter Email
NOVEMBER 6, 2000

The Animas-La Plata water project is still lingering in Congress and will be considered in the "lame duck" session after the election.

Opposition against the $334 million project, first authorized in 1968, seems to have grown overnight. Green Party Presidential candidate Ralph Nader and the New York Times are now criticizing it.

For better or worse, the project incorporates the water rights settlement of Ute tribes in Colorado. But critics say the plan appears to benefit non-Indians more than Indians. Modifications to the bill by its chief proponent, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo) require the tribes to spend more of their settlement money with non-Indians.

Still, Campbell's spokesperson says it is likely to pass the House. It passed the Senate last month.

Get the Story:
Dam is no done deal (The Denver Post 11/6)

Related Stories:
Cost of Ute settlement questioned (Enviro 11/2)
Campbell changes Ute bill (Enviro 11/1)
Vote on water project stalled (Enviro 10/20)
Ute settlement threatened, fears Campbell (Enviro 10/13)

Relevant Links:
The Animas-La Plata Project - www.uc.usbr.gov/special/alp/index.html
Congressional Testimony, Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement - www.senate.gov/~scia/2000hrgs/alp_0607/alp_wit.htm