Accord sought in closing of dam road
Homeland security chief stepping in
Summit Daily News
Published July 17, 2008 at 9:33 p.m.
Colorado's homeland security director will meet with Summit County and Denver Water officials to settle the dispute over the closing of a road along Dillon Reservoir.
The dam in Summit County controls Denver's main drinking water source, and the water board closed Dillon Dam Road last week because of security concerns.
Denver Water rearranged barriers on the road and gave Summit County authorities keys to unlock gates so emergency vehicles could get through.
The Lake Dillon Fire Protection District said the gates will slow response time and issued a notice Wednesday ordering Denver Water to comply with fire codes. The district referred the alleged violation to the sheriff's department.
Fire district spokesman Brandon Williams said that state homeland security director Maj. Gen. Mason Whitney attended a meeting with Denver Water and Summit County authorities Wednesday.
"General Whitney will be taking an active role in our discussions with Denver Water to facilitate the immediate restoration of public and emergency access," Williams said Thursday.
Summit County authorities said there doesn't appear to be a specific security threat to the dam.
Denver Water officials have said they want to work with Summit County to resolve the dispute.
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Suggest removal
Art writes:
The real issue here becomes whether or not Denver Water has the right to close roads in any county, much less a county other than Denver County. If there is a threat or a possible threat, then Denver Water should be working through Homeland Security with Summit County officials to make sure the proper procedures are in place. Denver Water should not be allowed to make a unilateral decision on closing county roads. The emergency vehicle access issue is important but it still remains that the heart of the matter should be who can make decisions as to closing county or state roads.