A75B3694619941C3872582400070BA63 Hearing Summary

Representative Arndt explained the procedures for remote testimony, as three witnesses plan to testify remotely from Oterro Junior College.

Representatives Catlin and Arndt, co-prime sponsors presented House Bill 18-1151, concerning the authorization of deficit irrigation pilot projects approved by the Colorado Water Conservation Board.  Current law allows the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to approve up to 15 pilot projects for agricultural water leasing or fallowing projects.  The bill expands the types of projects that may be approved to include deficit irrigation projects, which use less than the optimal amount of water on a particular crop.  The bill also excludes from the determination of historical consumptive use decreases in use resulting from deficit irrigation projects to conserve or lease water.

The following persons testified remotely from Oterro Junior College:

Dave Donnell, representing himself, testified in a neutral position to the bill and explained his concerns.  Mr. Donnell responded to questions from the committee.

Dwight Proctor, representing himself, testified in a neutral position on the bill and discussed his concerns. Mr. Proctor responded to questions from the committee.

The following people testified in person on the bill:

Peter Nichols, Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District, testified in support of the bill and discussed the process by which pilot projects will be chosen, as stated in the bill.  Mr. Nichols responded to questions from the committee.

Emily Ibach, Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in opposition to the bill.  Ms. Ibach also stated that the Water Rights Association of the South Platte opposes the bill.

Phillip Chavez, Diamond A. Farms, testified in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.

Alexander Funk, National Young Farmers Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Jay Winner, Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District, testified in support of the bill and discussed his experience with the Catlin Pilot Project.

Zane Kessler, Colorado River District, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Arndt explained an amendment being drafted and requested that the bill be laid over until the end of the committee's calendar.

Representative Esgar laid the bill over, as requested.

The committee recessed.