S_AGR_2022A 02/24/2022 01:32:06 PM Committee Summary

The committee reconvened.

Keith McLaughlin, Executive Director, Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority, introduced the authority and the board appointees.

Lucas Hale, appointee, introduced himself to the committee.

Karen Wogsland, appointee, introduced herself to the committee.

The committee recessed.

The committee reconvened.

Senator Sonnenberg, co-prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-126 to the committee. 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.

Senator Sonnenberg introduced amendment L.001 (Attachment A) and explained that it clarified the intent of the bill.

Senator Donovan, co-prime sponsor, discussed the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.

Ms. Kathleen Curry, representing Ute Water Conservancy District, Grand Valley Water Users Association, and Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, testified in opposition to the bill as introduced. She noted that the amendment would help clarify the intent of the bill.

Richard Orf, representing Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill as introduced.

Mr. Zane Kessler, representing Colorado River District, testified in opposition to the bill as introduced.

Mr. Jim Yahn, representing Water Rights Association of the South Platte, testified in support of the bill.

Kelly Romero-Heaney, representing the Department of Natural Resources, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Mr. Larry Clever, representing Ute Water Conservancy District, testified in opposition to the bill as introduced.

Mr. James Henderson, representing Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in support of the amended bill.

Commissioner Lori Saine, representing Weld County, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. J. Paul Brown, representing Colorado Wool Growers, testified in support of the bill.

Rich Werner, representing Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Brown responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Donovan discussed amendment L.001.

Senators Sonnenberg and Donovan wrapped up their presentation of the bill. Committee members commented on the bill.