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Hurd Focuses on Local Issues, Economic Development in 3rd Congressional District

TELLURIDE, Colo. — Rep. Jeff Hurd, the new representative for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, emphasized his commitment to local issues during a virtual meeting with the San Miguel County Commissioners on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

“I want to make local headlines about economic development, jobs, infrastructure, responsible public policy, particularly when it comes to federal lands and federal lands management,” Hurd said.

During the meeting, Hurd addressed concerns over recent layoffs at the U.S. Forest Service, which included wildland firefighters. He expressed concern about the potential impact on firefighting operations, particularly in Western Colorado.

“I understand the administration’s and President Trump’s desire to streamline and economize government,” Hurd said. “But we need to ensure the savings don’t come at the cost of delivering services to people who rely on them.”

On a local level, Commissioner Galena Gleason highlighted federal needs in Norwood, including a $3.5 million congressional spending request for water infrastructure upgrades.

“Our aging water infrastructure hinges on this potential funding,” Gleason said. “We’re looking to bolster our water delivery and storage for the well-being and viability of our community.”

Hurd, who serves on the House Committee for Natural Resources and its Subcommittee on Water, said he is committed to supporting such projects.

“Water infrastructure is core to what government does,” Hurd said. “Let me know what we can do to get funding for that project.”

Gleason also underscored the importance of rural healthcare, noting that Medicaid accounts for about 40% of the funding at Norwood’s local clinic.

“If Medicaid is cut, the clinic would likely have to shut its doors, leaving our community in a very vulnerable position,” Gleason said.

Hurd said he takes rural healthcare seriously, despite supporting the House’s recent budget resolution, which includes $2 trillion in federal spending cuts over the next decade, with reductions to Medicare and Medicaid.

“I need your help identifying projects that show we are using taxpayer dollars wisely,” Hurd said.

On federal lands, Hurd asked for support from county commissioners to bring back a Trump-era decision to relocate the Bureau of Land Management headquarters to Western Colorado.

“Public lands management is one of the most important issues here in the West,” Hurd said. “Having decision-makers in the region where the land is located is good public policy.”

Hurd also expressed interest in supporting legislation to protect portions of the Dolores River through a National Conservation Area, previously introduced by Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet.

“That is definitely something I’m looking at picking up with my Senate colleagues,” Hurd said.

Commissioner Anne Brown noted the freeze of a $72 million government loan for renewable energy projects by the Delta Montrose Electric Association, along with $9.8 million for solar infrastructure for San Miguel Power Association.

“I recognize the importance of ensuring reliable, affordable, and safe energy,” Hurd said. “Rural electric cooperatives have a core responsibility in that.”

Hurd concluded by emphasizing his commitment to representing the district thoughtfully and responsibly.

“Know that I am here to navigate these changes as thoughtfully and responsibly as we can,” he said.

Hurd recently introduced legislation to support the timber and wildfire resilience industry on national forests and a compensation bill for parties affected by the 2015 Gold King Mine spill along the Animas River.