Colorado Legislative Council Staff

REVISED NO FISCAL IMPACT

(replaces fiscal impact dated January 20, 1999)

TITLE:            CONCERNING AUGMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER WELL PUMPING IN THE DENVER BASIN AQUIFERS.

Summary of Assessment

            This bill, as amended by the House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee, would authorize the Special Water Committee, created by the General Assembly in Senate Bill 96-74, to conduct additional public hearings on the South Platte river basin water resources issues, and monitor the progress of the State Engineer, Division of Water Resources and the Director, Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), Department of Natural Resources, in implementing the recommendations of the final report submitted to the Special Water Committee in April 1998.

            This bill would extend the repeal date of the Special Water Committee by two more years, from July 1, 1999 to July 1, 2001 and would extend the commencement of more stringent augmentation plans for pumping from the Denver basin aquifers to coincide with the committee repeal date, July 1, 2001. The bill would become effective upon signature of the Governor.

            The continuation of the Special Water Committee would not have any fiscal impact on any state agency or unit of local government. Therefore, this bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact.

Departments Contacted

            Natural Resources