Subcommittee on Water and Power Legislative Hearing H.R. 1462

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the Program; and, 4) provide integrated monitoring and research through a comprehensive adaptive management plan. By pursuing recovery of these species on a programmatic basis, as opposed to pursuing recovery efforts on a case -by -case basis, we will use our resources more efficiently and effectively. Moreover, water users will benefit from streamlined consultations with the Fish and Wildlife Service as opposed to individualized consultations and negotiations. Colorado is dedicated to the success of the Platte River Recovery Program. The State has already appropriated and authorized the expenditure of up to $7 million dollars to meet Colorado's cash and water obligations. In addition, there is legislation pending that immediately authorizes an additional expenditure of $3 million dollars on July 1, 2007 and sets forth a plan to fund the majority of Colorado's remaining obligations over the next several years. Water providers, environmental organizations, and the agricultural community have all expressed support for the State legislation. Water providers, in particular, have been partners with the State since the beginning of the three states negotiations. Colorado water users have established an organization called the South Platte Water Related Activities Program (SPWRAP), which is a nonprofit organization. SPWRAP has the authority to assess annual assessments from its members, and to use that money to help the State of Colorado meet its obligations under the Program. It is important to note that the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado's statewide water policy board, unanimously passed a resolution in support of this federal legislation. A copy of this resolution is attached to this statement. Once again, thank you for your consideration. We hope that you will support this legislation that is important to the Recovery of endangered species and the citizens of the United States and in particular the States of Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. I am available to answer any questions that you may have.