27h ‎(2)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 11/19/2008
• Description: CF Section - En-Bloc Non-Reimbursable Investment Recommendations - Colorado Watershed Restoration Program
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

STATE OF COLORADO
Colorado Water Conservation Board
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Street, Room 721
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.cwcb.state.co.us
TO: Colorado Water Conservation Board Members
Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor
FROM: Chris Sturm, Stream Restoration Coordinator
Harris D. Sherman
Watershed Protection and Flood Mitigation Section
DNR Executive Director
Jennifer L. Gimbel
DATE: October 20, 2008
CWCB Director
Dan McAuliffe
Agenda Item 27.h., November 18-19, 2008 Board Meeting
SUBJECT:
CWCB Deputy Director
Water Supply Planning and Finance Section –
En-bloc Non-Reimbursable Investment Recommendations
Colorado Watershed Restoration Program
Introduction
The CWCB supports watershed restor ation projects presented by multip le stakeholders with diverse
interests. The results are plan s and projects designed to satisfy a range of non-consumptive and
consumptive water use objectives. Many of thes e efforts are completed on small budgets funded
through several sources of local, state and/or fede ral funds. Ther e is often a commu nity volunteer
component that contributes in -kind services thro ugh donated materials and time.
Discussion
In 2006, the Board supported a non- reimbursable investment for watershed restor ation. The General
Assembly approved it. HB06-1313 provided funding for Watershed Re storation in the amount of
$150,000, of which $140,000 remains. This is not an indication of reduced need; but rather, an extended
absence in staff necessary to manage projects. Ther e are many restoration projects presently in need of
funding. The Program objective is to provide funding for watershed rest oration studies and projects.
Special consideration is given to projects that reduce flood hazards, prot ect infrastructure, and increase
benefits for water supply. Past pr ojects successfully completed with aid from the Construction Fund
include the Roaring Fork multi-objective planning st udy, Rio Grande headwaters restoration, Alamosa
River watershed restoration, and Fountain Creek waters hed study. Potential future projects include Lake
Fork Gunnison River restoration, Uncompahgre Wate rshed strategic planning, Eagle River restoration,
and Upper Arkansas/South Platte River sedimentati on mitigation. Studies and projects resulting from
this program can have far reaching benefits for water supply (e.g. SWSI), fl ood protection, enhancement
of aesthetic and environmental quality, re creation, and increased economic benefit.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board request that th e General Assembly aut horize $250,000 from the
Construction Fund to be appropriated to the Colorado Water Conservati on Board for technical
activities related to the Wate rshed Restoration Program.
Water Supply Protection • Watershed Protection & Flood Mitigatio n • Stream & Lake Protection • Water Supply Planning & Finance
Water Conservation & Drought Planning • In trastate Water Management & Development