PUB00017

• Year: 1997
• Title: Colorado Water Development Study
• CWCB Section: Finance
• Author: Buford Rice, Ray Christensen
• Description: Study to assist Colorado Farm Bureau in developing recommendations and strategies for dealing with future water resource issues
• Publications - Doc Type: Brochure

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Section 9 - Potentia! Altcr/wtil'CS

The Farm Bureau ,vill
consider strategies and
policies related to protecting
the prior appropriation
system, maintain inK af'ree
market, and encouraKinK
cooperative water resources
p/anninK at all/eve/s,

Up/vade ExistinK Systems, Improvements will be made to exist-
ing surface water collection, treatment and delivery systems and
existing welltield capacities to derive the most benefit from past
capital investments,

Enhance and Expand MWWKement Ti)()/s, The State will pursue
its objective to develop a statewide water resources decision sup-
port system and other similar tools will be developed to better
manage available supplies and existing water projects, Improved
management of existing supplies may delay the need for future
water development projects,

Potential Farm Bureau Strategies

How should the Colorado Farm Bureau position itself to address
the water resources challenges of the future, and how should it
respond to the anticipated statewide strategies for water resources
management? The following are suggestions to be considered.

I, Continue to support the existing Colorado Farm Bureau strat-
egies of:

A, Prior Appropriation System and Interstate Compacts
Protect the prior appropriation system as provided in the
state constitution, and Colorado's interstate water com-
pact entitlements.

B, LonK Term LeasinK
Long-term leasing of water to industry and municipali-
ties should be considered so it could revert to agricultural
use in the future if conditions warrant.

C. Free Market PricinK
The free market should be allowed to work in the pricing
of water,

2, In addition, as a result of the findings of this study it is rec-
ommended that the Colorado Farm Bureau consider:

A. Cooperative Water Resources P1anninK
Continue supporting cooperative water resources plan-
ning efforts among local, regional and state agencies, The
Farm Bureau's statewide presence provides it with a plat-
form from which to be a facilitator of inter-agency and
inter-regional projects, Remain cognizant of the large-

9-2

_. COLoraDo
,.. Farm BUreau