Business View Civil & Municipal | July 2022

42 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 invasive tree species, mainly Russian Olives and Tamariskor Salt Cedars that are consuming literally billions of gallons of water every year that we are losing to trans evaporation,” Powers explains. “Montezuma County has the most aggressive phreatophyte program probably in the Colorado Basin, and we are seeking congressionally-directed spending for it. We have bipartisan support for this and we are trying to get initiatives through from congress to start removing these phreatophytes basin-wide, not just in Montezuma County. But we are really the leader on that and we have saved over an estimated 300 million gallons of water per year with the removal and treatment we’ve done in our tiny little basin.” With so much on the go, Montezuma County is poised for a bright tomorrow. That’s something they are both looking forward to, and approaching with caution. “I definitely hope that we are able to grow, but grow responsibly and hold fast to our roots,” Thurman says. “Montezuma County is definitely unique in that we are a very forward-thinking county. We have a lot of proud people and people that have worked hard to be where they are. I hope we can continue to highlight that and continue the traditions and the heritage that we have here, while being able to grow and continue to make it a great place to live, raise children, work, and recreate.” PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n FastTrack Communications www.fasttrackcomm.net | info@fasttrackcomm.net As the region’s only local fiber optic-based internet provider, FastTrack delivers light-speed connections, comprehensive data transport solutions and robust voice services to businesses, municipalities and critical providers throughout Colorado and New Mexico. FastTrack is headquartered in Durango, Colorado. Find out more at FastTrackComm.net,  info@fasttrackcomm.net or 970.247.3366