D6A697EDB4AD33A987258278006CA414 Hearing Summary

Representative Arndt presented Senate Bill 18-218, concerning the funding of Colorado Water Conservation Board Projects.  The bill appropriates funds from the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund in the Department of Natural Resources for specific water-related projects in FY 2018-19 and makes several cash fund transfers. Appropriations are for FY 2018-19 only, but funds for most projects are available until fully expended.

Lauren Ris, Deputy Director, Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), testified in support of the bill and discussed the projects mentioned in the bill.

Dianna Orf, Colorado Water Congress, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Ris responded to questions from the committee regarding funding allocated for the dredging of existing reservoirs. Ms. Ris discussed grant funding that has been distributed from the CWCB construction fund.

Representative Arndt responded to questions from the committee regarding funding allocated for aquifer recharge projects in the South Platte River Basin.

Ms. Ris responded to questions regarding funding allocated for recreation and environmental projects, including a ditch diversion modification program and invasive phreatophyte removal projects. Ms. Ris also responded to questions regarding the Weather Modification Program.

Representative Arndt made concluding comments on the bill.