A1DC54AF2359639D87258472006B66D0 Hearing Summary

Becky Mitchell, Director, Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), and Brent Newman, CWCB Staff, updated the committee on the Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plans (DCPs) and demand management programs.  Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Newman discussed the status of the DCPs and responded to committee questions.  

Mr. Newman discussed the documents and agreements of the DCPs, including Lower Basin agreements, operational provisions, agreements with Arizona, California, and Nevada, as well as the upper basin DCP, including a drought response operations agreement and the demand management storage agreement.  Committee discussion ensued.

Mr. Newman explained demand management to the committee.  The committee discussed possible curtailment in regards to compact compliance.

Ms. Mitchell discussed the CWCB's 2019 work plan, including guidance, goals, storage, and minimum requirements. Ms. Mitchell continued by discussing outreach and transparency of the process and the working group.

Mr. Newman discussed the process of the working group and responded to committee questions.

Mr. Newman and Ms. Mitchell addressed committee questions around funding, agricultural impacts, economics, local governments, education, outreach, and environmental considerations.  They explained the lower basin DCP implementation and long-term river operations and responded to committee questions.