Pubdate: Tue, 20 May 2014
Source: Pueblo Chieftain (CO)
Copyright: 2014 The Pueblo Chieftain
Contact:  http://www.chieftain.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1613
Author: Chris Woodka

FEDS JUST SAY NO TO WATER FOR POT

The Bureau of Reclamation will not allow federally controlled water to
be used to grow marijuana in Colorado and Washington, according to a
temporary policy issued Tuesday.

The news comes as local water providers and ditch companies have been
struggling with the issue.

In fact, the Pueblo Board of Water Works, which has contracts with
Reclamation, has scheduled a discussion at Tuesday's meeting on
whether it would make water available to marijuana-growing operations
that will be licensed by the city of Pueblo.

Pueblo gets a small part of its water from Reclamation, but has
contracts for storage in Lake Pueblo and for connection at Pueblo Dam
that might be affected by the policy.

St. Charles Mesa water district already has prohibited using its water
to grow marijuana on land where federally supplied water is used.
Pueblo West and the Bessemer Ditch have not prohibited the use of
their water supplies for marijuana grows.

Here is the complete news release issued from Reclamation to the media
Tuesday morning:

"The Bureau of Reclamation has issued a Temporary Policy on the Use of
Reclamation Water or Facilities for Activities Prohibited by the
Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Dan DuBray, Chief of Public
Affairs, issues the following statement:

"As a federal agency, Reclamation is obligated to adhere to federal
law in the conduct of its responsibilities to the American people.

"Among the 17 states Reclamation serves, Washington, Colorado and
others have taken actions that decriminalize the cultivation of
marijuana. Water districts and providers that receive water from
Reclamation within those states have requested a decision on whether
the delivery of Reclamation water to their customers is approved for
those purposes.

"Reclamation will operate its facilities and administer its
water-related contracts in a manner that is consistent with the
Controlled Substances Act of 1970, as amended. This includes locations
where state law has decriminalized or authorized the cultivation of
marijuana. Reclamation will refer any inconsistent uses of federal
resources of which it becomes aware to the Department of Justice and
coordinate with the proper enforcement authorities. Reclamation will
continue to work with partner water districts and providers to ensure
their important obligations can continue to be met." 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D