DENVER-
The House gave initial approval Tuesday to a plan that would allow a subdistrict of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District to charge fees that opponents said would drive some farmers in the San Luis Valley out of business.
Lawmakers said without the fees, the state water engineer might have to shut off 5,000 wells because of the recent drought. They said one way or the other, the valley will be forced to idle 40,000 acres of farmland.
Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan, said some farmers’ businesses might not survive the fees.
“Those farmers who have the money to pay those fees, they’re not going to have a problem with that, but I’m standing here asking you to consider those farmers who cannot. I believe in my heart that this bill does not have enough protection for the poorest of the poor. We’re taking from the have-nots and I think we’re giving it to the haves so they can do what they want with that water,” she said.
Rep. Rafael Gallegos, D-Antonito, said the water district petitioned lawmakers to allow them to impose the fees rather than facing a shutdown of the wells.
“They will be fair about it, I’m sure,” Gallegos said.
