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Udall Visits GJ to Talk Colorado National Monument Status

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Jan 19, 2013 at 6:56 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 19, 2013 at 8:50 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Senator Mark Udall stopped in Grand Junction Saturday to discuss changing a major staple in the community.

Officials are in the process of turning the Colorado National Monument into a national park.

Several local residents and Senator Udall met Saturday to weigh the pros and cons to changing the name.

Officials say it will help bring in more tourist, helping boost the economy.

They say the monument being right off Interstate 70 will also help lure in folks.

Udall says he fully supports the monument change to a national park.

"The reason you would turn the monument into a park is for both economic and quality of life. The study shows by converting the monument to a park you would attract additional international visitors, and in a community where you have 8.5 percent unemployment or higher, anything we can do to create jobs is my priority. I think it's the business community's priority too," said Udall.

The community members taking part in this say they're next step is to talk to residents, and educate them on how little the monument would change if it were to be considered a national park.

Earlier Saturday morning Udall also met with veteran leaders on issues impacting veterans along the Western Slope.

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Disgusted said on Saturday, Jan 19 at 10:45 PM

Sen Udall? Didn't he vote yes on the job-killing travesty known as Obummercare that was passed by democratic hacks on Christmas Eve, 2009?

business owner said on Sunday, Jan 20 at 11:26 PM

This story is about the colossal opportunity we have to add a national park right here in our own back yard. Glad to see we have so many forward thinking business leaders finally making this a priority. Surely local city councils, chambers of commerce and groups like GJEP will take the lead and get this done. This isn't politics it's good business and high time for real community leaders to step up.

CEO said on Sunday, Jan 20 at 11:59 PM

You mean our area has a chance to have a national park that gives us instant world wide recognition, boosts tourism, and attracts high tech business and high paying jobs...and we need to THINK about it?? This is a no brainer. Add me to the long list of business owners who say, get it done! Most communities would do anything for an opportunity like this...don't drop the ball!

kat said on Monday, Jan 21 at 12:03 AM

I love the monument! What an honor and the right thing to do to make it a national park!! We're so lucky to live here and we could definitely use the added jobs and business.

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