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3. Lang-T~rm A~tion It~m~ - are also presented in the Recommendations section, includes both the need to monitor ongoing water supply and demand activities, and potential action items that will need additional analysis and consensus building. The information presented in this Executive Summary and the SWSI Final Report provides a statewide view of supply and demand and an overview of in-basin solutions to meet future demand. During SWSI implementation, it became apparent that the Basin Roundtable process would be significantly improved if a stepped or phased process was used. To be successful, SWSI first needed to examine in-basin water supply and demands, options or alternatives for addressing those demands, and any related issues. With this initial in- basin information as a foundation, we can now have a more orderly and informed analysis of transbasin issues and opportunities. Over the next several months, SWSI will examine supply and demand issues that reach across river basins and options for addressing those issues. This work will be completed between January 2005 and July 2005 utilizing existing funds authorized by the original SWSI appropriation. During this next phase, CWCB, working with local interests, will evaluate the opportunities and options associated with in-basin solutions and mutually beneficial solutions involving multiple basins. Finally, it should be emphasized that under current authorities, the CWCB has a finite set of tools to address some of the key issues that affect our water future. Two common themes were heard in every basin in Colorado regarding the role of the state (CWCB) in water resource issues. First, continue to provide technical assistance and regulatory support such as the Decision Support Systems (DSS), and assistance with federal and state regulatory issues, especially in the area of Endangered Species Act (ESA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Second, the state (CWCB) needs to provide more financial assistance, especially in the area of non- reimbursable investments. Financial issues are a key to how we can move forward and improve water resource protection and development. ~ $~ole'ri~ice Wo~e' $upplY Initia~ive In addition to the financial role of CWCB, it is emphasized that at this time, the CWCB's current authority is of facilitator, mediator, and consensus builder, since CWCB does not hold water rights for municipal, industrial, or agricultural uses and does not own or operate water management facilities. This puts CWCB in a unique position and the SWSI process has reinforced this role throughout the state. It is important for CWCB to continue this role and not interfere with local planning but rather be the agency to facilitate solutions that require a statewide perspective. Defining Colorado's water future is one of the most important challenges the state faces. SWSI assembled a vast amount of information, and the initial findings and recommendations presented in this Executive Summary provide a sound basis to begin to address these challenges. The CWCB will need to continue its efforts and work with all interest groups to make progress resolving the complexities of water use and water resource protection and development. The public information and Basin Roundtable participant activities were designed to provide a mechanism and forum for the CWCB Board to solicit and exchange information, and was essential to the success of the project. The Basin Roundtables, with the support of and input from the CWCB Board, defined the overall water management objectives, established performance measures to meet these objectives, and identified solutions for meeting future water needs. Information exchange occurred at the following levels: ~~ S:\REPORT\WORD PROCESSING\REPORT\EXEC SUMMARY 11-10-04.DOC ES-5 Executive Summary SWSI Stakeholder Process