Gov. Bill Ritter and legislative leaders announced today that a special task force will examine the water-supply crisis facing many farmers, ranchers and agriculture interests in northeast Colorado.

The task force will be part of the General Assembly’s interim Water Resources Review Committee, which will begin meeting after the 2007 legislative session ends in May.

Ritter visited Wiggins on March 22 with Colorado Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Harris Sherman and state Agriculture Commissioner John Stulp to hear first-hand about the water-augmentation challenges in the region.

About 450 wells along the South Platte River were shut down in May 2006 pending review of water-augmentation plans by the Colorado Water Court.

"This is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive review," Gov. Ritter said. "I heard the sense of frustration loud and clear when I was in Wiggins. This task force will bring together all stakeholders so we can explore all options."

Joining Gov. Ritter today in announcing the task force were state Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, and Reps. Kathleen Curry, D-Gunnison and Mary Hodge, D-Brighton.

"The state needs long-term solutions to its water needs," said Shaffer, who represents much of the impacted area. "We need to look at all possibilities to find solutions to the issue affecting Wiggins and the rest of the region. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to accomplish this in the three weeks left in this legislative session."

"I know we can’t fix the entire water problem immediately," said Curry, who sits on the interim Water Resources Review Committee and chairs the House Agriculture Committee. "But I am committed to doing everything we can, turning over every rock, as we look for long-term solutions to this long-term problem."

"I am committed to helping the families, farmers and ranchers facing a dire situation," said Hodge, who also sits on the interim water committee and the House Agriculture Committee. "We will do everything we can to help protect livelihoods and lives. Establishing this task force will help us look for a permanent long-term solution, not a hastily drafted legislative response."