Date: 12/20/2013
Final
Status of water diversion infrastructure
FLOOD DISASTER STUDY COMMITTEE
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08:09 AM -- Status of water diversion infrastructure
Representative Young gave introductory remarks. He explained that legislative leadership gave the committee additional bill drafting authority. Committee members received a letter explaining this authority (Attachment A). Senator Lundberg noted a problem with damage assessment in the Big Thompson Canyon area in Larimer County. Committee members discussed this issue.
1220Attachment A.pdf
08:17 AM
Dick Wolfe, State Engineer, and Scott Cuthberson, Deputy State Engineer, with the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources, introduced themselves to the committee. Mr. Wolfe provided an update on flood damage to dams, stream gages, ditches, and diversion structures. Committee members received a table and map prepared by the Division of Water Resources detailing this damage (Attachment B). Mr. Cuthberson explained the data provided in these documents. Representative Sonnenberg and Mr. Cuthberson discussed the timeline for full recovery, noting that the division's goal is April 1, 2014. Senator Renfroe and Mr. Cuthbertson discussed the issue of stream relocation, particularly the role of private property owners in reconnecting ditches and diversions to streams. Mr. Cuthbertson emphasized the potential for conflict in the repair process and the need to build coalitions to facilitate the process. Committee discussion continued on this point.
1220Attachment B.pdf
08:32 AM
Senator Jones and Mr. Cuthbertson discussed the timeline for dam repairs, noting that November to March is the typical time when reservoirs store their water. Sean Cronin, St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District, discussed the importance of building coalitions to repair water infrastructure. He noted that there are still unanswered questions regarding available funds for making repairs, particularly on private property. Senator Kefalas and Mr. Cuthbertson addressed rehabilitation and reorientation of streams. Discussion continued regarding the limited availability of financial support for private landowners to address these issues. Mr. Cronin noted that there may be some funds available from the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service, but that these funds have limiting criteria.
08:43 AM
Representative Sonnenberg and Mr. Cronin continued to discuss the problems of creeks and rivers on private property, noting that federal emergency funds are more readily available for public infrastructure. Mr. Wolfe responded to questions about adding clarifying language to statute to facilitate the relocation of ditch headgates after the flood.
08:48 AM
Tom Morris, Office of Legislative Legal Services, addressed current law concerning the relocation of ditch headgates. He noted that changes could affect instream flow and more senior water rights. Representative Sonnenberg responded to this testimony.