4-14 Senate Committee

• Title: 4-14 Senate Committee
• IBCC - Doc Type: Legislation

4-14 Senate Committee
Interviewer, Interviewee

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So, that's where I think we are today. I'm very pleased with what
we bring to you and hope that you will agree. But much more
importantly, I think we now have the beginnings of the right idea.
It'll take a lot of work. It's taking a lot of work to get this far, of
course; but this is the just the beginning. Once this becomes law,
if it does, then we really need to step up to the plate all through the
state and find the people who will participate. And ask them, once
again, to give of their time and resources for something greater
than themselves.

My hope is that this will work so well, in all the basins, that this
process becomes the water decision making process of choice,
statewide. That way we won't be just adding on to everything else
that's out there; but will give us a mechanism to recognize and
nurture the inner connectedness that all the basins have with one
another. We can no longer be thinking in terms of what happens in
once basin or in one community, has no effect on other basins in
other communities. That is just not the reality for today or for the
future. And this is the first time that we've tried to nurture a way
to express that and to help everybody participate in the decision
making that affects them and everybody else. So, that's where we
are. And I'll remain for questions if you have them.

Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Any questions for the witness? Senator
Entz.

Sellator Entz: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I'm sorry. Thank you.
But, you know, how will this affect the CWCB and you I talked a
little bit earlier; but for the record I would like to know if this will
replace the CWCB's authority or not. And Ijust want that known
on the record.

Chairmall: Speaker George.

RlIssell George: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Colorado Water Conservation
Board is the states water policy board with a wonderfi.Jlly
successful history. And one of the things that all of us need to
remind ourselves is that the processes of state government really
need to be greater than the individuals of anyone time. You need
to institutionalize and have agencies strong and in motion; so that
as we leave, someone to do the good work remains. And that's
how I see the Colorado Water Conservation Board in the large
picture of water issues as the years go by. This adds on to SWSI;
interweaves at the connect and then adds the decision making or
political piece, if you will. All of that is within the larger umbrella

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