h_agr_2016a_2016-05-02t13:30:00z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/02/2016

01:49 PM -- SB 16-174



Representative Vigil and Representative Coram, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 16-174, concerning the funding of Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) projects. The bill appropriates funds from the CWCB Construction Fund for specific water-related projects in FY 2016-17. The bill also authorizes seven cash fund transfers; extends the Windy Gap Reservoir bypass channel project until July 1, 202; and allows the CWCB to participate in water distribution system projects. Additionally, as a part of the Animas-La Plata project, the bill provides the CWCB authority to contract with and allocate Animas-La Plata project water to local entities and water providers; undertake Animas-La Plata project operations, maintenance, and replacement costs; pay Animas-La Plata project storage or other necessary costs; undertake actions to sell, lease, sublease, exchange, and assign the project water acquired; and receive and expend proceeds from the sale or lease of Animas-La Plata water and land. Representative Brown distributed Amendment L.005 (Attachment A). Committee discussion ensued.



160502 AttachA.pdf



The following persons testified on the bill:



01:54 PM -- James Eklund, Director, CWCB, spoke in support of the bill and discussed some of the projects listed in the bill, including the Animas-La Plata project. Mr. Eklund discussed Amendment L.005 and the Bear Creek Reservoir study and responded to other questions from the committee.



02:10 PM -- Dianna Orf, Colorado Water Congress, spoke in support of the bill.



02:11 PM -- Bruce Whitehead, Executive Director, Animas-La Plata Water Conservancy District, discussed the potential recreational use of Lake Nighthorse.

02:28 PM



The committee adjourned.