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<br />projects. The question of whether the Water Supply Reserve Account funds can be tied <br />to some 319 money for restoration projects was asked. And, participants asked if <br />proposed projects are to be considered on a competitive basis throughout the state. Rick <br />Brown reiterated that this roundtable must have a process in place. That process must <br />look at the environment versus M&I usage versus multi use projects. The challenge is <br />going to come from the fact that the nine basins may have nine different criteria and <br />guidelines and so will CWCB. Subjectivity certainly comes into the picture. CWCB will <br />try to stay as close to legislation as possible. The Reserve Account will be the primary <br />topic for our next meeting. Participants need to think about the information in your hands <br />from this meeting. Should we look exclusively at grants? Loans? Cost-sharing? How <br />much demand on that $1 Omillion is there going to be? What is the nature of the beast? <br />Rick suggested that everyone keep referring to the original legislation in HB 11 77 for <br />more guidance. <br /> <br />Rick Brown then presented more detail of what SWSI did find and didn't find (see <br />attached), followed by a question and answer session: Where does the prior <br />appropriation doctrine fit into all this? This process is not looking to change the prior <br />appropriation system, and by discussing it is not an attempt to change it. Rick sees this <br />process as an oppOltunity to meet all needs with agreed upon solutions, not forced <br />positions. He added that multi-beneficial projects will probably see a high priority, but <br />that not all the needs in every location can be met. Rick asked: "Where do you guys see <br />this roundtable going? What's the goal?" This roundtable is a venue where issues can be <br />discussed. The current status appears to be one in which everyone wants to hold on to <br />what they've got, and it is becoming more and more difficult to get something done. It is <br />so hard to say "yes" that everyone just says "no." Rick is hopeful that this dialogue will <br />break down that log jam. He then reminded everyone that SB 179 is not the only way to <br />fund water projects, and encouraged cost sharing as a way to qualify for larger dollars. <br />179 money is there to help get projects over the first hump. If a project is successful, <br />there should be no problem in going back to the Legislature and saying here is a good <br />program. Rick is hopeful that there are so many projects and requests that the Legislature <br />will see the value of the program. Colorado has seen so many changed in the last 30 <br />years, and in the next 30 years, it can look like we want it to or we continue status quo. <br />Rick asked more questions of the group: How can this basin articulate a future for the <br />area? Water will be wheeled around because the market will do that. Is there another <br />way it can be done? Can we show those trade-offs to other basins? Jenny Russell asked <br />when this roundtable is going to start that process of putting together our vision. Aren't <br />we ready to start that process? What is your thinking on that? How do we make those <br />decisions? Steve added that at this point everyone has their own vision. The problem is <br />how do we come together? Jenny added that a vision is needed to base other decisions <br />on, and we can work on the development of that vision while working on other issues. <br />Steve said that the whole thing can become overwhelming, and to remember that this <br />group is interconnected with the other West Slope roundtables and to the entire state as a <br />whole. <br /> <br />The next meeting is July 18th in Durango and the September 13 meeting will be ineDolores again. The meeting was adjourned. <br />