S_AGR_2022A 02/10/2022 01:40:27 PM Committee Summary

Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, introduced the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee and discussed the habitat stamp program. Brett Ackerman, Southeast Regional Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, introduced the five appointees to the committee.

Travis Black, ex officio representative of Colorado Parks and Wildlife to the Habitat Stamp Committee, introduced himself to the committee. The following appointees also introduced themselves: David Gottenborg, David Warsh, Erica Elvove, and Lauren McCain.

The appointees responded to questions from the committee.

Lorene Bonds, appointee, introduced herself to the committee. Margrit Parker, appointee, introduced herself to the committee.

Senator Donovan, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-080 to the committee. The bill requires that the Division of Fire Prevention and Control in the Department of Public Safety investigate the causes of wildland fires. Senator Donovan also presented amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

Mike Morgan, Director, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, testified on the bill in a technical capacity. He responded to questions from the committee.

Chris Burnett, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, testified on the bill.

Senators Simpson and Sonnenberg, sponsors, presented Senate Bill 22-028 to the committee. The bill creates the Groundwater Compact Compliance and Sustainability Fund for groundwater compact compliance and groundwater resource sustainability and conservation purposes. The fund will be administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in the Department of Natural Resources and is subject to annual appropriation. Funds may include appropriations or transfers by the General Assembly; funds from federal sources; and gifts, grants, and donations. The CWCB will disburse funds based on recommendations from the board of directors of either the Rio Grande Water Conservancy District (RGWCD) or the Republican River Water Conservation District (RRWCD), after approval by the State Engineer.

Committee members questioned the bill sponsors.

David Robbins, representing the RRWCD and the RGWCD, testified in support of the bill. Aaron Sprague, representing the RRWCD, testified in support of the bill. Marisa Fricke, representing the RGWCD, testified in support of the bill. The panel responded to committee member questions.

Mr. Richard Brown, representing Colorado Water Congress, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Timothy Coleman, representing Colorado Rural Electric Association, testified in support of the bill.
Kelly Romero-Heaney, representing the Department of Natural Resources, testified in support of the bill.
Aaron Citron, representing The Nature Conservancy, testified in support of the bill.
Ms. Romero-Heaney responded to questions from the committee.

Committee members discussed the bill with the sponsors.

Senator Donovan, sponsor, presented Senate Joint Resolution 22-002. The resolution approves water project revolving fund eligibility lists administered by the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority.

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

Heather Stauffer, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill.

Michael Valdez, representing Special District Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Donovan wrapped up her presentation of the resolution.