2 Proposed Legislation - Interbasin Compact Ne

• Title: Colorado’s Interbasin Compact Negotiations: Development of an Institutional Framework - Proposed Legislation
• Date: 12/17/2004
• Author: Russell George, Frank McNulty, Peter Nichols, Eric Hecox
• IBCC - Doc Type: Program Planning, Budget & Contracts

Revised: 7/26/2007
Institutional Framew ork for Interbasin Compact Negotiations

Proposed Legislation

It is declared to be the policy of the state of Colorado that all areas of the state must
cooperate to ensure an adequate supply of water to equitably meet the needs of present
and future generations. In order to meet such needs of all Coloradoans, to re move causes
of present and future controversies, to support Colorado’s agricultural heritage, to protect
Colorado’s natural environment, to supply Colorado’s growing populations, to cultivate
the state’s economic development, and to foster the beneficial u se of the state’s compact
entitlements, it is further declared to be the policy of the state of Colorado that river
basins and sub - basins shall negotiate agreements regarding the equitable division of the
state’s waters, including terms and conditions to m itigate water transfers.

This legislation creates the institutional framework within which such agreements can be
negotiated.

The Steering Committee

A To manage the process of negotiations regarding the equitable division of the state’s
waters, a 25 - member Interbasin Compact Steering Committee is created. The Steering
Committee will include 16 members selected by the Basin Roundtables, eight at - large
members appointed by the Governor, and one Director who will be appointed by the
same. The Steering Committee will include environmental, municipal, agricultural,
industrial, and recreational representatives.

The Steering Committee will have the following responsibilities:

1. Establish foundational principals that negotiating basins must agree to;

2. Estab lish a framework for Interbasin Compact Negotiations;

3. Create a list of Compact Negotiator Nominees from which the Director will
choose Compact Negotiators;

4. Provide guidance throughout the negotiation process;

5. Ensure the availability of technical informatio n and data;

6. Oversee the Interbasin Compact Negotiation financial resources;

7. Establish and oversee a public education/outreach process; and

8. Report back to the legislature on the progress of the Steering Committee meeting
its responsibilities and the status of Interbasin Compact Negotiations no later than
st
October 31 of each year.

The Steering Committee will have the power to:
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Create Working Groups to assist the Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities;
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Nominate Compact Negotiators;
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Control the Interbas in Compact Negotiation budget; and
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Commission technical advisors and further research.
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