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,. ;1 The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Monday November 05, 2001 Page 3 of 4 " \ the board has been given the authority to make a recommendation to the court that must be considered factual unless challenged by the applicant. The challenges already have started. The city of Pueblo is being represented by the Denver law firm of Holland & Hart. Last month, the lawyers filed objections to the water board's proposed rules for evaluating applications for recreational water rights. Among other issues, the city protested that the board's proposed rules would give consumptive water rights greater weight than recreational uses. Aspen and Gunnison also filed objections to the water board's proposed rules. Those cities also intend to apply for recreational rights. The water board plans to adopt its final rules this month, according to staff. Ted Kowalski of the water board staff said that once Pueblo files its application in water court, it will have 30 days to file an application with the state board. Objectors then would have 30 days to file statements with the board and the board would have to make a recommendation to the water court within 90 days after that. Earlier this year, council authorized expenditure up to $100,000 to obtain the recreational water rights. Florczak said that could take time, because Pueblo's application is likely to draw opposition from other Cities, such as Colorado Springs, that are interested in making greater use of the Arkansas River in the future. Alan Hamel, director of the Pueblo Board of Water Works, said his staff had not seen the city's application and he declined to speculate on the board's reaction until then. Steve Arveschoug, manager of the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, said Pueblo's application will affect the district and many other water users. httn.JJ,xrurur "nipf1-<>in "1"\."..../."....I"\."AnH/."aH'n/;_..:l~,,/n...;nlnr11