15b ‎(2)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 3/18/2008
• Description: OWCDP Section - Water Efficiency Grant Request - Colorado Water Wise Council - Executive Director
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

statewide representation. The CWWC has over one hundred members that have a keen interest
in conservation and utilizing the state's water resources wisely. They believe that Colorado
should be a leader in water conservation practices due to the critical role water plays in our semi-
arid headwaters state.
In-line with its mission, the CWWC proposes to hire an Executive Director (ED) to fill an
identified gap in Colorado's conservation efforts by increasing capacity of Colorado
communities to increase, and maintain, water resource efficiencies. As witnessed in other states,
such as California and Texas, statewide comprehensive BMPs have proven to be a solid
foundation for launching meaningful conservation implementation at the water provider and
community level. Through execution of this grant project, the ED will work in conjunction with
the CWCB and other water providers to develop and deliver new, comprehensive BMP program;
maintain a robust, fresh, and interactive website and clearinghouse of information; and to support
the CWWC organization in its operations. Hiring of an ED will also strengthen the ongoing
support provided by the CWWC to the CWCB in its efforts to provide education and information
to water managers as they construct & implement their water conservation plans.
The BMP project will address Residential indoor and outdoor conservation and other water
provider and community needs such as, Institutional, Industrial, and Commercial conservation,
and overall water provider system needs/opportunities. This project will, to the extent possible,
incorporate GreenCO's BMPs, while exceeding them in the aforementioned areas. By creating
these BMPs, the CWWC can assist the State with attaining its goal of creating aColorado-based
conservation clearinghouse for water providers and professionals. The ED will also play a vital
role in providing education and outreach support by coordinating publication of a quarterly
newsletter, and other relevant resources, as well as coordinating an annual water conservation
conference, and associated workshops and trainings. The ED will also develop a robust and
interactive water conservation website for members and statewide stakeholders. In addition, the
ED will provide a foundation of support to CWWC through the day-to-day administration, board
support, and revenue planning for financial sustainability in turn transforming the organization by
increasing partnerships and visibility of the "Voice of Colorado's Water Conservation
Community."
The CWWC Board of Directors will provide the ED with an annual plan of work, feedback, and
direction for each task. CWWC will provide administration, supervision, deadlines and support
for individual projects through committees. Attached are numerous letters of support from
multiple water providers around the state who have designated their staff's time via CWWC
committees to be used in support of the project for an ED being proposed by the CWWC to the
CWCB.
The applicant has demonstrated a total matching contribution of approximately 43%. $90,000 of
the match comes from multiple water providers' staff in-kind contributions, and $33,975 will be
contributed by the CWWC in the form of a cash contribution. The OWCDP staff has evaluated
the grant application and finds that it meets the CWCB Guidelines for the Water Efficiency
Grant Program.
Attachments:
~ CWWC's Grant Application (including scope of work & project budget).
~ Letters of support and matching contributions from partnering cities.
~ Application evaluation criteria ranking sheet, scored by the OWCDP