Press Release - Water, Natural Resource Bills
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2008
CONTACT:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER SIGNS WATER, NATURAL RESOURCE BILLS
Gov. Bill Ritter signed legislation today that will protect, preserve and conserve Colorado's water supplies and other natural resources, and also arm the state in the fight against aquatic pests such as the invasive zebra mussel.
"When it comes to protecting Colorado's water and other natural resources, we must be responsible, thoughtful and aggressive in our approach," Gov. Ritter said. "It's these very resources that make Colorado such a special place to live, work and play. As public stewards of Colorado's environment, our responsibility is to ensure the natural beauty we enjoy today will exist for generations to come."
House Bill 1141 (Curry/Bacon) requires developers to prove they have a sufficient water supply before they can build developments of 50 or more single-family homes. It will provide cities, counties and other decision-makers with verification of adequate water supplies to support new housing developments.
"There is no excuse for developers to build new subdivisions where there is not enough water," Rep. Kathleen Curry said. "I'm glad we're giving local authorities the tools they need to protect their communities and make responsible decisions. After all, homeowners deserve to know that when they turn on their taps, water will come out now and in the future."
"Colorado will welcome as many as two million new residents over the next 15 years," Sen. Bob Bacon said. "Some will live near Denver. But many are moving to counties like Larimer and Mesa. Those counties are especially vulnerable to fluctuations in Colorado's water supply, and it's up to us to act accordingly."
Senate Bill 226 (Isgar/Butcher & McFadyen) prohibits bringing aquatic nuisance species, such as zebra mussels, into Colorado and allows authorities to inspect vehicles, boats and trailers if they have a reasonable belief such a species is present. Zebra mussels have been found in Pueblo Reservoir, and SB 226 allocates millions of dollars for education, awareness, inspection and eradication programs to stop the mussel from spreading statewide.
"This summer, I don't think we should take any of our water for granted," said Rep. Dorothy Butcher. "Our concern isn't just the drought-like conditions that have sadly become an annual fact -- we also need to keep our eyes on these tiny devils called zebra mussels."
"With this bill, we hope to zap the zebras," said Rep. Buffie McFadyen. "It's a new kind of water war, and we've got to win."
HB 1346 (Curry/Isgar) authorizes about $75 million in loans and grants from the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund for water projects and studies around Colorado, including the Republican and South Platte river basins. It also provides funds for the acquisition of water rights for in-stream flow purposes. The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union played an important role in working on several of the projects and the bill.
"This bill is critical to ongoing statewide water projects and addresses key priorities for the water conservation board, including consumptive and non-consumptive uses," Sen. Jim Isgar said.
SB 119 (Romer/Looper) allows Colorado to start examining how best to utilize "rain harvesting" as part of an overall water conservation strategy. The bill refers the issue of rainwater collection and use to the interim Colorado Water Resources Committee for analysis and drafting of more comprehensive legislation in 2009. Rainwater harvesting involves capturing rainwater from rooftops and streets using cisterns and catchments for landscape watering, fire protection and small-scale irrigation. Many other Western states allow the practice, but Colorado does not.
SB 168 (Isgar/Curry) dedicates almost $7.5 million to the Platte River Endangered Species Recovery Implementation Program, as well as almost $3 million toward Sage Grouse conservation efforts. The Platte River program protects threatened and endangered species and is a cooperative effort among Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, the federal government, water providers and environmental organizations.
"The goal of this legislation is to prevent more species from being listed as endangered and assist with the recovery of listed species," Sen. Isgar said. "I'm particularly proud that the state has been proactive in providing support for the endangered species trust fund."
For a complete list of 2008 legislation Gov. Ritter has signed into law, click here.