Discussion · House of Representatives
Jeff Hurd Republican
“I am celebrating Grand Valley Power on its 90th anniversary. It was Colorado's first rural electric cooperative, started by local farmers when power lines did not reach them. Today, it provides power to over 18,000 members.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Grand Valley Power as it celebrates 90 years of keeping the lights on in Colorado’s Third Congressional District. In 1936, a small group of farmers in the Grand Valley could not get electricity. The costs were too high, and the power lines simply didn’t reach that far. So, they did what western Coloradans do: They came together to solve the problem themselves. Neighbor by neighbor, they built what became Colorado’s first, and today its oldest, rural electric cooperative. Within a year, electricity reached 250 homes and farms for the very first time. What many Coloradans already took for granted transformed lives across Mesa County. Today, Grand Valley Power serves more than 18,000 members across the county. It remains not for profit, member owned, and rooted in the same cooperative spirit that inspired its founders nine decades ago. Ninety years is a testament not only to a successful electric cooperative but to the enduring power of neighbors working together to strengthen their communities. I am proud to recognize Grand Valley Power and everyone who carried that mission forward.”
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Grand Valley Power as it celebrates 90 years of keeping the lights on in Colorado’s Third Congressional District. In 1936, a small group of farmers in the Grand Valley could not get electricity. The costs were too high, and the power lines simply didn’t reach that far. So, they did what western Coloradans do: They came together to solve the problem themselves. Neighbor by neighbor, they built what became Colorado’s first, and today its oldest, rural electric cooperative. Within a year, electricity reached 250 homes and farms for the very first time. What many Coloradans already took for granted transformed lives across Mesa County. Today, Grand Valley Power serves more than 18,000 members across the county. It remains not for profit, member owned, and rooted in the same cooperative spirit that inspired its founders nine decades ago. Ninety years is a testament not only to a successful electric cooperative but to the enduring power of neighbors working together to strengthen their communities. I am proud to recognize Grand Valley Power and everyone who carried that mission forward.