WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall applauded the Senate's passage of a bill that includes a provision to help Four Corners residents access Colorado TV news, weather, sports, and emergency information.

The Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization (STELAR) Act will allow satellite providers and local broadcasters to petition the FCC to allow residents of so-called "orphan counties," which receive broadcasts from stations in other states, to receive broadcasts from local, in-state TV stations. La Plata and Montezuma counties in Colorado are considered orphan counties that receive television broadcasts from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"Coloradans in La Plata and Montezuma counties have waited a long time for the opportunity to access local Colorado broadcasts," Bennet said. "The current system doesn't make sense for Southwest Colorado, but this bill will finally give folks a path forward to fix this problem. The President should quickly sign this bill."

"I was proud to champion provisions in the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Reauthorization Act to give the people of Durango and Cortez access to the news, weather and emergency information most relevant to them. I am gratified the U.S. Senate heeded my calls and passed this common-sense solution today," Udall said. "I urge the president to sign this bill as soon as possible and finally help deliver Colorado TV to Four Corners residents."

Bennet and Udall have been longtime proponents of improving communications infrastructure and connectivity throughout Colorado. They previously introduced legislation aimed at bringing Colorado TV to the Four Corners region.

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