BOARD00670

• Board Meeting Date: 3/26/2001
• Description: WSP Section - Colorado River Basin Issues - Delta and Inadvertent Overrun Accounting Policy Resolutions
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

Agenda Item 25(e)
March 26-27, 2001 Board Meeting
Page 2 of2

RESOLUTION OF THE COLORADO WATER CONSERVATION BOARD
CONCERNING COLORADO RIVER GOVERNANCE
March, 200 I

WHEREAS, on January 2,2001 the Colorado River Commission of Nevada (letter
attached) proposed a conference to establish a formal Colorado River governing body;
and

WHEREAS, staff opposes the establishment of such a group as both unworkable and
unnecessary; and

WHEREAS, operations on the Lower Colorado River are governed by a Supreme Court
decree where the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation functions as a river master; and

WHEREAS, the Upper Colorado River operates pursuant to the Upper Colorado River
Compact and the Upper Colorado River Compact Commission was established to
administer the compact; and

WHEREAS, when issues of mutual concern to both basins have arisen, the seven
Colorado River Basin States have created ad hoc groups and held informal meetings that
have resulted in successful agreement on or resolution of the issues; and

WHEREAS, given the success of the ad hoc groups that have formed on an as needed
basis, it is hard to justify a formal organization that would create additional costs and
process for dealing with very complex issues on the Colorado River.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that it is the policy ofthe Colorado Water
Conservation Board:

1. to oppose the formation of any formal Colorado River governance organization.

2. to continue to foster and improve communications with the other Colorado River
Basin States and utilize appropriate means, such as ad hoc committees, to address
issues of mutual concern to the seven Colorado River Basin States.