H_RAA_2020A 01/23/2020 10:01:17 AM Committee Summary

Representative Arndt, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 20-1037 to the committee.  The bill authorizes the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to augment stream flows with water that has been previously decreed for augmentation in order to preserve or improve the natural environment, subject to Water Court approval of an augmentation plan and consent of the water right owner.  Representative Arndt distributed and discussed Amendment L.001 (Attachment A).  

Jennifer Berman, Office of Legislative Legal Service, discussed Amendment L.001 and responded to questions from the committee.  

Bill Wombacher, representing the Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority and the East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District, testified on the bill.

Mr. Potyondy and Representative Arndt responded to committee questions.

Bob Lembke, representing United, testified in support of the bill.

Dan Biwer, representing the City of Greeley, testified in support of the bill.

Dan Brown, representing the Cache Pouder Water Users, testified in support of the bill.

Joan Green Turner, representing the Water Rights Association of the South Platte, testified on the bill.

Kate Ryan, representing the Colorado Water Trust, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Green Turner responded to committee questions.

Representative Roberts closed public testimony and the amendment phase.

Representative Arndt made closing remarks.  Committee members commented on the bill.

Representatives Cutter and Will, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1004 to the committee.  The bill creates the wildfire mitigation resources and best practices grant program.  Representative Cutter distributed and discussed L.001 (Attachment B).  Representatives Cutter and Will responded to committee questions.

Max Nardo, Legislative Council Staff, responded to committee questions.

Brandy DeLange, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill.

Bridget Garcia, representing the Colorado Association of Realtors, testified in support of the bill.

Chris Piper, representing Denver Water, testified in support of the bill.

Michele Robbins, representing RPM Insurance, testified in support of the bill.

Chris Linsmayer, representing Colorado Ski Country, testified on the bill.

Mike Morgan, Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, testified on the bill.

Representative Cutter distributed and discussed L.003 (Attachment C).

Representative Cutter distributed and discussed Amendment L.004 (Attachment D).

Pierce Lively, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to committee questions.  Director Morgan returned to the table and responded to committee questions.

House Bill 20-1004 was laid over for action only.

Representatives Roberts and Will, Co-prime Sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1067 to the committee.  The bill clarifies that the Moffat County Affiliate Junior College District and the Rangely Junior College District may own and convey real property, as long as the sale is for fair market value as determined by an independent appraiser and the proceeds are used for the benefit of the Colorado Northwestern Community College.  Representative Roberts responded to committee questions.

Heidi Dineen, representing the Colorado Community College System, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Dineen responded to committee questions.

Representatives Roberts and Will made final remarks.