2-07 House Committee Lay Over Unamended

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2-07 House Committee Lay Over Unamended Page 37 of 49 It would similar to possibly me and Representative Harvey negotiating the sale of Madam Chair Curry's house to Representative Brophy. If we are going to establish in this statute the roundtable entities, there should be guidance from the legislature on the roundtables with regard to stmcture and ground mles for the operating. Imagine if you will two entities trying to set their own mles to come together in a negotiation. I think there needs to be some common ground in which those entities come together with the same mles or same focus. It must also be made clear in the statute that the roundtable have an obligation to communicate with the water rights owners and users within each basin that no water right will be on the table without the consent of the owner of the water right. I know that has been addressed, but that is indeed a concern that we must not and I emphasize must not do anything to abuse our prior appropriations system. We also have concerns about the size and stmcture of the 25 member inter-basin compact negotiation committee. There should be greater detail with regard to the qualifications of the individuals who are eligible for appointment by the Governor, as with those appointed to the roundtables. These individuals should also be water rights owners and users as well. Looking forward to the process outlined in the bill, we are extremely concerned that any agreement that does not or that does make its way through the process requires approval and potential amendment by the General Assembly and possible veto of the Governor. It was mentioned earlier about those possibilities. If indeed Representative Ray Rose and I come up with an agreement within our basins to do something with water and we have fulfilled those requirements, should we indeed then send it to the legislature and have the possibility of a veto in which I'm sure you wouldn't tinker with it, but just in case someone else would. That's a concern to us. The checks and balances should be within the system and should not require the approval of the legislature. Last but not least this process must remain absolutely voluntary or it will only become another stumbling block to develop additional water storage. Individual water providers and water rights owners should not be allowed to proceed outside - I'm sorry - should be www.escriptionist.com Page 37 of 49