Colorado’s Animas-La Plata project, the controversial
water development plan entangling two rivers, two tribes, and
nearly every politician in the state (HCN, 11/11/96), has been
named one of a dozen “corporate welfare” schemes on a Washington
hit list. The list was announced by Rep. John Kasich, R-Ohio, chair
of the House Budget Committee. His coalition includes conservatives
and public interest groups such as Taxpayers for Common $ense as
well as consumer advocate Ralph Nader.
Critics
were gleeful. “This is A-LP being seen for what it is: pork,” says
Michael Black, spokesman for the Durango-based Taxpayers for the
Animas River.
Meanwhile, players on both sides of
the A-LP debate seem to be making news. On Jan. 23, the Southern
Ute Tribal Council ousted one its members, outspoken A-LP critic
Ray Frost, due to allegations that he sexually harassed several
female tribal employees, including a 15-year-old worker at the
tribe’s casino.
* Danielle
Desruisseaux
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline A-LP makes a hit list.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
