Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute leaders ask Colorado lawmakers for housing, water, infrastructure and stronger consultation

Leaders of the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes told a joint session of the Colorado General Assembly that state lawmakers can help address immediate needs on tribal lands, including housing, water-rights negotiations, public-safety resources and infrastructure.

Marilyn Susan House, a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council from Towaoc, asked the legislature for help securing housing funding and state-allocated programs so the tribe can build new homes; she cited a long waiting list and asked that Colorado support applications to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and federal low-income housing tax-credit programs. House also urged ongoing tribal consultation when legislation affects tribal resources, called for more BIA law-enforcement staffing on reservation lands and flagged a 02/14/2026 deadline tied to Colorado River negotiations for post-2026 operations.

Melvin J. Baker, chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, described partnerships between the state and tribes and outlined tribal investments in regional services and housing projects. Baker recounted the recent opening of a tribal grocery store on 01/05/2026 (funded in part with Colorado Housing and Finance Authority assistance) and described the tribe’s Buckskin Charlie housing project, which will add two 30‑unit apartment buildings. Baker also raised concerns about an oil‑product pipeline spill on tribal-adjacent land: he said Enterprise Products initially reported 23,000 gallons but later acknowledged at least 97,000 gallons, and the tribe believes the true amount may be higher; he urged faster remediation, transparency and full accountability.

Both speakers emphasized the need for sustained, government-to-government consultation and asked lawmakers to consider mechanisms to pass federal-designated funds directly to tribes rather than routing them through the state. The Ute Mountain Ute delegation asked for continued support for education initiatives — citing the Cuyaga Community Academy charter school on the reservation — and additional investments in road safety, water-rights negotiations, broadband and renewable-energy projects such as the Sun Bear Solar Project.

House and Baker requested more regular meetings with the legislature to ensure tribal priorities are considered. After the addresses, leaders received a round of applause, their remarks were ordered printed in the House journal and the joint session was dissolved.