09g‎(2)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 3/18/2008
• Description: Colorado Water Resources & Power Development Authority Director's Report
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

Members, Colorado Water Conservation Board, and Jennifer Gimbel
March 18, 2008
Page 2
In early March, the La Plata WCD submitted its response to the Corps of Engineers regarding various
issues on Long Hollow Reservoir. The 404 permit is expected in the next few months.
Small Hydropower Loan Fnnd
The Board is considering the creation of a Small Hydropower Loan Fund to assist governmental agencies
with the evaluation and construction of small hydropower facilities. A loan fund of $l0 million is
contemplated. Interest rates and loan terms have not been set for the loan fund, but it is expected that
interest rates would be 0 to 2% and Loan terms would be l0 to 20 years. The Board is expected to take
final action at its June 5 meeting.
Federal Legislation
No action has been taken on H.R. l 659 or S.1516, two bills that would authorize a Corps of Engineers'
Section 595 Program for Colorado.
Legislation for 2008
The bill to change the per diem rate for Authority Board members from $50 per day to $l00 per day and
to allow Board members to participate in meetings through the use of telecommunications devices, SB08-
010, has been signed by the Governor.
The annual DWRF and WPCRF projects resolution, SJR08-003, has passed both the Senate and the
House and has been sent to the Governor.
Initiative No. 37
Initiative No. 37 would amend the Colorado Revised Statutes to "deauthorize" the Colorado Water
Resources and Power Development Authority and terminate its activities and services as of July 1, 2009,
upon certification of the State Auditor that the Authority has no debts or obligations outstanding.
The ballot initiative title expired on February 8.
Board Annointments
Steve Hams, representing the San Miguel-Dolores-San Juan drainage, Steve LaBonde, representing the
Main Colorado drainage, and Greg Higel, representing the Rio Grande drainage, were confirmed by the
Senate in January 2008.
The terms .of Bob Carlstrom, representing the North Platte drainage, and Jim Hokit, representing the
Uncompahgre and Gunnison drainage, expired on October 1, 2007. The Denver position has been vacant
since August. At this time, no appointments have been made.
Future Board Meetings
April 25 -Denver
June 6 -Denver