S_AGR_2021A 04/15/2021 01:31:32 PM Committee Summary

Eric Wilkinson and Patricia Wells, appointees to the Water Resources and Power Development Authority, appeared remotely. Mr. Wilkinson and Ms. Wells introduced themselves, and described their backgrounds and interest in serving on the Authority.

Senators Cooke and Hansen presented House Bill 21-1008 to the committee.  The bill establishes a new form of intergovernmental agreement to finance forest health projects and extends the authorization for the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority to finance such projects. The bill sponsors responded to committee questions.

Robert Cole, representing Southwestern Wildfire Impact Fund, testified in support of the bill.  Dianna Orf, representing Colorado water congress, testified in support of the bill. The witness panel responded to committee questions.

Matt Scherr, representing Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in support of the bill. Commissioner Matt Jones, representing Counties & Commissioners Acting Together, testified in support of the bill.  Ben Tisdel, representing CCAT, testified in support of the bill. Dee Wisor, representing self, testified in support of the bill. Keith McLaughlin, representing Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority, testified in support of the bill.

Evan Goulding, representing Special District Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Dean Brookie, representing City of Durango and Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill. Marc-Antoine Hanson, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mike Lester, representing Colorado State Forest Service, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Committee recessed.

Came back to order.

Wondirad Gebru, representing Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill. Laura Pottorff, representing Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill. Commissioner Keith Baker, representing Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI), testified in support of the bill. Heather Stauffer, representing Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill. The witness panel responded to committee questions.

Senator Fields gave closing comments on the bill.

Andrew Jones, representing Consolidated Ditches, testified in support of the bill. Dianna Orf, representing Colorado water congress, testified in support of the bill.Mr. Daniel Brown, representing Cache La Poudre Water Users Association, testified in support of the bill.

Kim Hart, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Danilda Polanco, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Russ Rizzo, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Stan Gale, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Stefanie Stevenson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Lynda Weston Taylor, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Chris Arnis, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mark Stangl, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Dan Vedra, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Joe Craig, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Dan Gregorie, representing SnowSport Safety Foundation, testified in support of the bill.

Sydney Ayers, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Jack Rizzo, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Kate Rizzo, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

John Langdon, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Don Fisher, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Lisa Case, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Randy White, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Pat Campbell , representing Vail Resorts, testified in opposition to the bill.

Rana Dershowitz, representing Aspen Skiing Company, testified in opposition to the bill.

Melanie Mills, representing Colorado Ski Country USA, testified in opposition to the bill.

Larisa Wilder, representing Parents for Safe Skiing, testified in opposition to the bill.

Chris Romer, representing Vail Valley Partnership, Tourism Industry Association of Colorado, Denver Metro Chamber, Colorado Chamber, Colorado Competitive Council, Colorado Housing and Lodging Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Jordan Lipp, representing Colorado Civil Justice League, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mont Hubbard, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Scott Streeb, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Louise Ingalls, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ray Durkee, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Senators Danielson and Story wrapped up their presentation to the committee.