CD673FFC3BB3631687258808007B7CD8 Hearing Summary

Senator Coram, bill co-prime sponsor, introduced HB22-1092. Under current law, the board of directors of an irrigation district may only enter into a contract to commit payments in excess of $500,000 if the contract is first ratified at a general or special election. This bill permits a board of directors to enter into any obligation or contract to borrow money, which the irrigation district may use to issue loans to landowners to make improvements to private water delivery systems, or for other types of projects that improve water delivery, drainage, conservation, or efficiencies on landowner property. The board may not assess district land in order to raise money to issue the loans; however, the board may use other sources of money to issue loans.

Senator Bridges, bill co-prime sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

Dianna Orf, representing Colorado Water Congress, testified in support of the bill. Kirsten Kurath, representing Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Max Schmidt, representing Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Sheila Reiner, representing Colorado Treasurers and Public Trustee Association, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Coram spoke about amendments L.004 (Attachment G), L.005 (Attachment H), and L.006 (Attachment I).