21 ‎(4)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 3/18/2008
• Description: CF Section - Severance Tax Trust Fund Operational Account Recommendations
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

5. Climatology for Seasonal Storms to Design Cloud Seeding Programs
Beneficiary/Grantee/Contractor: CWCB, Colorado Climate Center, Various
Amount of Request: $45,000 Ranking: Medium
Product Produced: This project combines tvvo proposals that were submitted to CWCB. One
proposal from North American Weather Consultants of Sandy, Utah (NAWC) is a basin specific
feasibility study. NAWC operates the cloud seeding programs in Utah and the Gunnison Basin
program in Colorado. The NAWC feasibility study would help design the operations of a cloud
seeding program by aiding in determining where to site equipment for the operational plan. The
Colorado River Seven Basin States are interested in the development of new programs in the
Colorado River Basin. The second proposal from the CSU Climate Center would develop a storm
database from balloon soundings and other meteorological data to examine the state as a whole and
study seeding potential and storm directions to see what if any new target areas might be suitable but
not traditionally investigated. This study would also reference seeding potential with SWSI findings
to determine if utilizing new cloud seeding programs could help attempt to address the identified
gap.
Water Planning Relationship: This combined project fits into the category of water supply
planning and/or drought and conservation planning to meet future water needs. We have existing
cloud seeding programs but programs at or near the spine of the Rocky Mountains would provide for
the greatest utilization within the State of Colorado. At least one of the tvoo proposals has the
potential to be funded through the Colorado River Seven Basin States in future contract amendments
for yearly assistance.
Recommendation: Staff gives a medium recommendation for funding of this project because of
the potential funding available from other sources.
6. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coordinator Matching Program
Beneficiary/Grantee/Contractor: CWCB, Local Water Planners
Amount of Request: $40,000 Ranking: High
Product Produced: The Community Assistance Program (CAP) is aproduct-oriented financial
assistance program directly related to the flood loss reduction objectives of the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP). States and communities that are participating in the NFIP are eligible for
this assistance. The CAP is intended to identify, prevent, and resolve floodplain management issues
in participating communities before they develop into problems requiring enforcement action. In
Colorado, the program is based on a 75:25 (federal to non-federal) cost-share basis and has been in
existence for over 20 years. This program has been very effective in helping communities to
understand and realize the benefits of the NFIP and to assist in making sure that they follow the
program guidelines for the highest benefits.
Water Planning Relationship: This work fits in centrally with the CWCB's mission of helping to
protect Colorado's citizens from flooding damages, as floodplains are defined as areas of statewide
interest. This coordinator position helps provide long-term benefits in the terms of greater flood
awareness and reduced flood damages and susceptibility.
Recommendation: Staff gives a high recommendation for funding of this project because of the
importance to flood protection and water management. This cost-share funding is crucial to assure
16