H_ALW_2022A 03/28/2022 01:32:19 PM Committee Summary

Representative Holtorf, bill sponsor, introduced SB22-126. Under current law, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in the Department of Natural Resources is authorized to finance water projects from the CWCB Construction Fund, and gives first priority to projects that will increase the beneficial consumptive use of the state’s undeveloped interstate compact-entitled waters. This bill amends this first priority to include projects that increase or improve undeveloped compact-entitled water storage in the South Platte River basin to increase beneficial consumptive use in a manner that reduces reliance on transmountain diversions.

Representative Holtorf responded to questions from the committee.

Questions continued.

Kathleen Curry, representing the Ute Water Conservancy District, the Grand Valley Water Users Association, and the Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Zane Kessler, representing the Colorado River District and Colorado Water Congress, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Kessler responded to questions from the committee.

Mr. Larry Clever, representing Ute Water Conservancy District, testified in opposition to the bill. Torie Jarvis, representing the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Water Quality & Quantity Committee, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Misha White, representing Conservation Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Representative Holtorf introduced and spoke about amendment L.002 (Attachment A).

Representative Holtorf gave final comments on the bill.

Committee members made final comments on the bill.