U.S. Rep. John Salazar spoke out Wednesday against the proposed $1 billion resort village atop Wolf Creek Pass.
“At the end of the day, I just don’t see how a project of this scope and size can continue,” Salazar, D-Colo., said in a statement. “The development brings the threat of dangerous roads, contaminated water and harm to the very wildlife and landscape that makes the area so unique.”
Proposed by Texas billionaire Red McCombs, development plans for the Village at Wolf Creek call for hotels, commercial space and homes for more than 10,000 people on 287 acres of private land.
Bob Honts, president of the venture, disputed the lawmaker’s claims.
“His statements are false,” Honts said. “Local officials have made it very clear that they are for this project. We’re moving ahead.”
Wolf Creek Ski Corp. and environmental groups such as Durango-based Colorado Wild have been fighting the plan. Last month, a district judge voided a permit issued by Mineral County, ruling that a dirt road across U.S. Forest Service land did not constitute adequate access to the subdivision.
The Forest Service could release its final Environmental Impact Statement on the project as soon as next week.
Staff writer Julie Dunn can be reached at 303-820-1592 or jdunn@denverpost.com.
