Senator Jim Isgar (D-Hesperus) announced today he is leaving the Colorado Senate to join the U.S. Department of Agriculture as Colorado State Director for Rural Development.

Isgar is one of the longest serving Senators in Colorado and his resignation will take effect when he starts his new position with the USDA in a couple of weeks.  

“After many years working for Colorado, I’m excited at the opportunity to continue that work at the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said Isgar.  “As a resident of a rural area these issues touch me very deeply.  I’m happy that I will be able to continue to work for Colorado, rebuild and revitalize our rural economy, and improve the lives of every American every day.  I want to maintain the vitality of rural America— that’s where the strength of this country has always been and that’s where our strength will continue to be.”

“I’m so proud of Senator Isgar and his new position in the Department of Agriculture,” said Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont).  “With the loss of Senator Isgar we are losing a great mind, a wonderful representative of the people, and an expert in many areas of state government, including water issues.  While we are happy for his new endeavors, he will be greatly missed in the Senate.”

A lifelong rancher, Isgar represented the Western Slope well.  He is the Chair of the Agriculture Committee on Agriculture, chairs the Permanent Legislative Water Review Committee, and was known as the Capitol’s senior authority on water issues.  Isgar’s term was up in 2010.

 “Jim Isgar will be an important advocate on behalf of rural communities throughout the state and help administer the valuable programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance their economic success,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Rural Development administers and manages over 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs as laid out by Congress through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of over $114 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

  The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.