Udall Champions Bills to Expand Summit County Workforce Housing, Preserve Watersheds, Create Wilderness in Southwestern Colorado

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 21, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Mark Udall, who serves on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, urged his colleagues at today’s hearing of the Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests and Mining to support two public lands bills that would protect Colorado wilderness and expand affordable housing options in Summit County.

The first bill, Udall’s Lake Hill Administrative Site Affordable Housing Act, would convey 40 acres of federal administrative land from the U.S. Forest Service to Summit County so the county can build more affordable workforce housing.

“Affordable housing is desperately needed to support jobs that this mountain community depends on,” Udall said. “This common-sense bill will support job creators across the county and boost businesses along the Interstate 70 corridor. I am proud to lead this effort, which has broad support from local residents, Summit County leaders and the Forest Service.”

The second bill, the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act, would protect water supplies and boost recreation in Southwestern Colorado. The bill would designate more than 68,000 acres as the “Hermosa Creek Special Management Area” and create more than 37,000 acres of new wilderness area.

“Southwestern Colorado is home to some of the most stunning wildlands and important watersheds in the state. This legislation, which has broad, bipartisan support, is the product of years of input and careful work,” Udall said. “I am proud to support this bill, as it will support the Four Corners’ strong outdoor recreation economy and help sustain our high quality of life.”