Denver businessman John McKowen recently found an interest in local ditch, reservoir and farmland issues. In southern Pueblo County agriculture is on the decline; however, McKowen aims to change this. Investing in a $30 million plan to restore Cucharas Reservoir, he aims to increase the productivity of farmland in the area. McKowen has bought over 80% of the shares in the Huerfano-Cucharas Irrigation Co. and plans are under way to increase the  reservoir's storage from 10,000 to 50,000 acre feet. McKowen stated that he has no intention to sell the water for municipal use, in fact, he is leasing the water back to the original users to keep it in beneficial use. The main goal for McKowen is to turn this dry farmland back into a profitable agriculture community. 

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