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November 1, 2005 <br />Friends, <br />The Interbasin Compact process is off to a great start. We have built the roundtables outlined in <br />st <br />the Colorado Water for the 21 Century Act, and they are proceeding with their legislated <br />responsibilities. We have received a lo t of encouragement and advice on the Interbasin Compact <br />Process and the dialogue on water in our state has already changed. We will build on this <br />positive response as the roundtables continue their work and we form the statewide Interbasin <br />Compact Committ ee. <br />During the months of August and September Colorado’s counties, municipalities, conservation <br />districts and conservancy districts made their appointments to the basin roundtables. These <br />initial or designated members then selected additional at - large mem bers to complete their <br />roundtable membership. <br />Through the roundtables we are meeting our ongoing goal of being broadly inclusive. There are <br />currently 287 individuals serving on the nine roundtables throughout the state. These individuals <br />represent a cr oss section of Colorado’s citizens, come from all geographic areas of the state, and <br />bringing a diversity of interests, backgrounds, and experiences to the roundtables. The <br />roundtable members will present unique insights and provide the expertise necessar y to address <br />Colorado’s water challenges. <br />The roundtable meetings have so far been a resounding success. Not only has the number of <br />participants met our expectations, but also the level of discourse and engagement has been <br />impressive. We have had spirite d debates, competitive elections, and constructive analysis of the <br />process. Roundtable members are engaged in a productive dialogue about how they can work <br />together to meet the state’s water needs. <br />In the coming months each roundtable will be making impor tant contributions to the state’s water <br />discussions. Each roundtable will select two individuals to represent their basin on the statewide <br />Interbasin Compact Committee. The roundtables will also begin developing a basin - wide water <br />needs assessment and pr opose projects or methods to meet those needs. <br />As we continue this historic process it is important to thank the members of the roundtables for <br />the dedication of their time and talents. Our work today will benefit Colorado for generations to <br />come. <br />Sinc erely, <br />Russell George <br /> <br />