Work of Art a Boost for Colorado

WASHINGTON – Members of the Colorado Delegation sent a letter today to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar expressing their support of Over The River, the temporary work of art that internationally renowned artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude have proposed to exhibit in Colorado. They requested that the Department make this project a priority and that the Bureau of Land Management give a fair, full and expeditious environmental review of the artists' application. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet were joined by U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette, John Salazar, Ed Perlmutter, Betsey Markey, Jared Polis, and Mike Coffman in sending the letter.

This project involves suspending 5.9 miles of silvery fabric high above a 40-mile stretch of the Arkansas River between Cañon City and Salida. It would be exhibited for two weeks, hopefully during the summer of 2012.

The Delegation Members wrote:

"We believe that Over The River has the potential to be of great benefit to the state of Colorado, both culturally and economically. Estimates by independent researchers have projected that nearly $200 million in additional spending could flow into the Colorado economy as a result of this project. Furthermore, Over The River will leave Colorado with a lasting artistic legacy and will help enhance our state's growing reputation as a place of cultural excellence. Even more impressive is the fact that Colorado will reap these benefits without public subsidy or taxpayer support, as the estimated $50 million cost of Over The River will be entirely funded by the artists."

"We greatly thank U.S. Rep. DeGette and the Members of the Colorado Delegation for their support of our temporary work of art, Over The River. The benefits of this visual expression of joy and beauty will be appreciated by all Coloradans and everyone who visit the state," said Christo and Jeanne-Claude.