H_AGR_2018A 02/12/2018 01:32:13 PM Committee Summary

House Bill 18-1151, concerning the authorization of deficit irrigation pilot projects approved by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, was laid over and will be heard on February 26, 2018.

Representative Hansen and Arndt, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-019, concerning an expansion of the duration for which the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority (CWRPDA) may make a loan under the authority's revolving loan programs.  CWRPDA provides low-cost financing to governmental agencies in Colorado primarly for water and wastewater projects.  Pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act and the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the CWRPDA makes loans under its Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and its Drinking Water Revolving Fund.  Under state law, the duration of any water pollution control loan made by the authority must not exceed 20 years after project completion.  The bill removes the 20-year limitation on water pollution control loans and authorizes teh authority to make loans in compliance with the clean water act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Michael Brod, CWDRPA, testified in support of the bill and distributed information regarding the changes made by the bill [Attachment A]. Mr. Brod responded to questions from the committee.

Morgan Cullen, Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Brod continued to respond to questions from the committee.

Representatives Arndt and Hansen made concluding comments regarding the bill.

Representatives Saine and Representative Arndt, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-041, concerning the ability of operators of sand and gravel mines to use water incidental to sand and gravel mining operations to mitigate the impacts of mining.  Under current law, operators of sand and gravel mines that expose groundwater to the atmosphere are require to obtain a well permit, as well as other requirements.  The bill, recommended by the Water Resources Review Committee,  

Garrett Varra, Varra Companies and SSGA Association, testified in support of the bill.

Kevin Rein, State Engineer, Division of Water Resources, testified in support of the bill.

Dianna Orf, Colorado Water Congress, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Arndt and Saine made concluding comments on the bill.