WASHINGTON - On Friday, Jan. 28, 2005, Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton will speak to members of the Colorado Water Congress about President Bush's vision for addressing water supply challenges and endangered species issues facing Western communities.

She will note the progress being made to develop cooperative initiatives and innovative approaches to meet these challenges and outline longer-term solutions to help communities avoid conflict and crises during and after the on-going drought.

Norton is scheduled to speak at 12:15 p.m. local time at the Holiday Inn at the Denver International Airport. Credentialed media are invited to cover the event.