8063 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Eddie Kochman reported on progress of this legislation since the last Council meeting. Since 1988 there has been annual funding for plan preparation but there has not been a general authorization for implementing the plans. For the past two years there has been an ad-hoc group in the Upper Basin which has been working to get funding for the Recovery Plans in that basin through negotiation with various agencies which are directly and indirectly involved in recovery of the main-stem fish species. The group came to a consensus on legislation and this has now been introduced in congress. The capital outlay portion through years 2005 and 2007 is $80 million, of which $46 million is the Federal share, $17 million from WAPA (power customers), and $17 million from the Upper Basin States. Senator Alard (CO) has introduced the legislation, which would support both the San Juan and Upper Colorado River plans, as SB1749, supported by Utah and Colorado Senators. In the House, the bill has been introduced by Rep. McInnes(CO). Water user organizations are attempting to stall the bills until they can work out more certainty in what and how they can develop Lands. It is probable that neither bill will make it to the floor this session, so we will be looking to the next session before funding will be authorized. Eddie Kochman provided the group with a copy of the letter of support which John Mumma sent to all Congressional Representatives of the Upper Basin states (see Appendix F). The bill has received support from several environmental and resource groups. Mr. Kochman indicated it would be appreciated if the Council would provide further support. The Upper Basin states are now actively working on state legislation for their portions of the cost sharing, all being optimistic for approval. The FWS representatives present supported getting similar funding in the lower basin in the future, but they believe that, at this particular time, it might muddy the waters for getting the Upper Basin bill passed. Following discussion, the Council agreed that they would take no further action at this time, and save their lobbying contacts in the event the Upper Basin or future Lower Basin legislation might need more lobbying. Ms. Starnes also brought up the subject of the need for a standard database in the Colorado River System. 10 ri t 1 1 11 1