DDEEEE99E2874ADB8725882B0076166D Hearing Summary

The committee took a brief recess.

The committee came back to order.

Representative McCormick, bill co-prime sponsor, introduced HB22-1379. The bill makes the following transfers totaling $20.0 million from the Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund:

• $3.0 million to the Healthy Forests and Vibrant Communities Fund in the Colorado State Forest Service to support wildfire risk mitigation and watershed resilience;
• $2.0 million to the Wildfire Mitigation Capacity Development Fund in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for wildfire mitigation and fuel reduction projects; and
• $15.0 million to the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund in the DNR for watershed restoration and flood mitigation project grants, administering the grant program, and to provide grants and assistance in applying for grants to local governments.

Expenditures from the funds must adhere to the relevant compliance, reporting, record-keeping, and program evaluation requirements established by the Office of State Planning and Budgeting and the State Controller.

Kelly Romero-Heaney, representing Department of Natural Resources, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Esther Vincent, representing Northern Water, testified to amend the bill. Commissioner Richard Cimino, representing Grand County, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Sean Chambers, representing City of Greeley and Cameron Peak Wildfire Recovery Collaborators, testified in support of the bill. Commissioner Cimino and Ms. Romero-Heaney responded to questions from the committee.

Representative McCormick introduced and discussed amendment L.001 (Attachment C).

Representative McCormick and Representative Catlin gave final comments on the bill.