Southwest Colorado is on the front lines of a historic drought. Farmers are forced to fallow fields, and towns are rationing water. Right now, Coloradans need a governor focused on solving problems alongside us, not studying them in Denver.
For years, Michael Bennet has met with stakeholders across the Dolores River landscape to develop and advance legislation that represents the diverse interests of our communities' water needs.
In 2023, I joined Michael on a raft trip with his family and staff. At an access point on the Dolores River, leaders from Montezuma, Dolores, and San Miguel counties, the chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, conservationists, and the MVIC president formed a discussion on the Dolores NCA. Michael invited input from the dozens of people gathered along the river, who all agreed the bill would protect water rights in McPhee and the river – and the world-renowned scenic and recreational values of the Dolores River landscape.
Michael understands that in Colorado, water drives our way of life. That's why he's worked hand-in-hand with communities to tackle the state's biggest water challenges. In Indian Country, Michael has long fought for tribes' right to access clean, reliable drinking water, and he recently secured over $42 million for regional drought conservation projects.
Our snowpack and temperatures have provided a preview of a hotter, drier future. To build a more secure water outlook for Southwest Colorado, we need Michael's track record of collaborative solutions. I'm proud to support Michael Bennet to be our next governor.
Mike Preston
Cortez
