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Section 1 <br />Introduction <br />The goals associated with this mission are to: <br />1. <br />2. <br />Follow the lead of local water suppliers. In <br />order for the CWCB to follow, local water <br />suppliers must not only lead, but also must share <br />information and be inclusive so that state leaders <br />can confidently make decisions and provide the <br />support required to ensure the fourth goal can be <br />met. <br />Monitor long-term water needs. One of the <br />major hurdles faced was the difficulty in <br />collecting water use and water planning data. <br />Information about agricultural water use comes <br />from statistics, water commissioner records, and <br />aerial and satellite imagery that demonstrate that <br />over time growing patterns and crops change <br />over geographic areas. The state has even less <br />information to share that is provided on a regular <br />basis about M~eI water use and demand. A better <br />system that still protects water rights holders <br />must be developed. <br />3. Provide technical and financial assistance to <br />put the necessary plans, projects, and programs <br />in place to meet those needs. The CWCB <br />Drought Assessment highlights that most water <br />suppliers want technical and financial assistance <br />from the state. SWSI provided for some <br />categorization among water users so that the <br />type of help and assistance needed can be <br />pinpointed. <br />4. Foster cooperation to avoid being forced to <br />make trade-offs that would otherwise harm <br />Colorado's environment, lifestyle, culture, and <br />economy. SWSI makes it clear that future plans <br />include drying up farmland to provide water for <br />cities, towns, communities, and industries. While <br />there will be the inevitable reductions of irrigated <br />acres as development occurs on these lands, some <br />of the additional projected losses of irrigated <br />lands can be reduced if viable alternatives are <br />available to M~eI providers (Figure 1-2). Options <br />exist that could reduce the need to dry up <br />additional irrigated agricultural lands, but <br />FINAL DRAFT 1-3 <br />Figure 1-2 <br />Effectiveness of Identified Projects and Processes in Meeting 2030 MEtI and SSI Demands <br />