S_AGR_2019A 03/07/2019 01:34:00 PM Committee Summary

Michael Brod, Executive Director of the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority (CWRPDA), introduced Christopher Treese and Robert Wolff, appointees to the CWRPDA Board. Mr. Treese and Mr. Wolff explained their qualifications to serve on the board.

Mike Lester, State Forester, Colorado State Forest Service, presented an update to the committee (Attachment A).

Jacque Buchanan, U.S. Forest Service, provided an update to the committee and distributed a copy of her testimony (Attachment B). Mr. Lester and Ms. Buchanan responded to committee questions.

Molly Pitts, Eric Howell, and Mr. Treese, all representing the Colorado Forest and Water Alliance, provided an update to the committee.

Senator Donovan presented House Bill 19-1113, which changes how water quality treatment is addressed in mine reclamation plans and how mining operators can provide proof of financial responsibility. Senator Coram distributed amendments L.002, L.003, and L.004 (Attachments C, D, and E).

Bill Skewes, representing the Colorado Chamber of commerce, testified on the bill.

Chris Treese, representing the Colorado River District, Colorado Water Congress, and the Upper Gunnison Water Conservation District, testified in support of the bill.

Jeff Parsons, representing Western Mining, testified on the bill and distributed a packet of support letters to the committee (Attachment F).

Mr. Parsons responded to committee questions.

Julie Westendorff, La Plata County Commissioner, testified in support of the bill.

Ginny Brannon, representing the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, testified in support of the bill and responded to committee questions.

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

Stan Dempsey, representing the Colorado Mining Association, testified on the bill.

Scott Hardt, representing the Numont Mining Corporation, testified in opposition to the bill.

Senator Winter, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-160, which continues the River Outfitter Licensing Program.

Grant Brown, representing Colorado Parks and Wildlife, testified in support of the bill.

David Costlow, representing the Colorado River Outfitters Association, testified in support of the bill.  Senator Winter distributed amendment L.001 (Attachment G).

Senator Coram, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-162, which continues the River Outfitter Advisory Committee.  Mr. Costlow testified in support of the bill.

Senators Sonnenberg and Hisey, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 19-147, which continues the Colorado Seed Potato Act.

Bob Mattive, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Jim Ehrlich, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Cheryl Smith, representing the Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill.

Senators Hisey and Sonnenberg, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 19-148, which continues the Seed Potato Advisory Committee.

Ms. Smith testified in support of the bill.