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<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />. Basinwide coordinatton of water resources planning. <br />. Allocation of water for emerging uses such as instream recreation. <br />. Protection of basins-of-origin. <br /> <br />House Bills 1288 and 1050 would have created new plarming entities to address a <br />myriad of water management issues. The proponents of the legislation identified a <br />need to better plan and coordinate our resource management efforts. to involve the <br />state in the process as a resource, and to better address impacts associated with <br />allocation of water such as basin-of-origin losses. Although neither of the bills were <br />approved by the legislature. valuable discussions were held regarding the adequacy of <br />our current approach to water resources planning and management. <br /> <br />The Role of Conservancy Districts <br /> <br />There are numerous water-related entities already out there delivering, treating, <br />transferring, and developing water supplies in order to address public needs. In order <br />to effectively plan. coordinate and implement measures to address future water needs. <br />management entities should have the ability to generate revenue. be responsive to and <br />incorporate public interests. represent the broad range of stakeholders, and should <br />reflect hydrologic boundaries. <br /> <br />Conservancy districts have evolved over time to meet Colorado's changing water needs <br />and have the potential to continue to expand their roles to address the planning and <br />management functions identified above. Conservancy distrtcts have broad statutory <br />authority, are accountable to the public, have fund-raising capabilities, and are set up <br />to reflect hydrologic boundaries. These characteristics. in addition to the fact that <br />distrtct boards are comprised of local representatives. make conservancy distrtcts well <br />suited to actively participate in and continue to take the lead on many water resources <br />management issues. Depending on the size and resources of a distrtct, they are <br />logical candidates to perform coordination and facilitation functions such as <br />addressing water issues that involve more than one political jurisdiction. Because <br />they can raise significant revenues vta property tax levtes. conservancy distrtcts have <br />the ability to fmance activtties such as coordinated watershed planning, public <br />education programs. water quality monitoring. and construction of facilities, over the <br />short and long term. <br /> <br />In summary, conservancy distrtcts should continue to playa pro-active role in <br />managing the state's water resources. However, in order to remain vtable, <br />conservancy districts must continue to strtve to address changing public needs <br />regarding the beneficial use of water. Active. informed conservancy distrtcts alone <br />can't resolve all of the contentious water issues facing us. but they can do the job of <br />representing the interests of indivtdual basins. Conservancy distrtcts playa very key <br />role as advocates for the welfare of their constituents. and should be relied upon to <br />coordinate with larger authorities such as conservation distrtcts and the state to <br />ensure a balanced approach to water resources management statewide. <br />