Watch CBS News

Bennet Tours Colorado River Improvements

EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Sen. Michael Bennet toured the Colorado River on Thursday to get a closer look at the improvements along the banks. He also said the projects show the importance of public lands in Colorado.

The improvements along the river were designed with an emphasis on access to the public like fishermen, rafters and other people using the waterway for activities.

BENNET RAFTING TRIP
(credit: CBS)

"The fishing outfitters the raft outfitters have seen an uptick in their business because of the new access points, the new options we've made available, so I'd say the public feedback has been just outstanding," said Eagle County Open Space Director Toby Sprunk.

"What they've done here is so important because they're creating much more public access," said Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat representing Colorado.

BENNET RAFTING TRIP  (4)
Sen. Michael Bennet on a rafting tour of the Colorado River (credit: CBS)

Bennet joined leaders from other groups for the rafting trip.

"You pointed out and I think it's an important point that this is the headwaters for the West and actually for America and we have got to make sure people downstream and people and senators downstream recognize how important it is for us to be able to protect these watersheds," said Bennet.

BENNET RAFTING TRIP  (2)
(credit: CBS)

He hopes the model Eagle County has demonstrated can be replicated on other rivers across Colorado.

BENNET RAFTING TRIP  (3)
(credit: CBS)
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.