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Because the reservoirs have greatly improved in the past three years, and better forecasting can be conducted in January, the next task force meeting will be set for mid-January 2006. . Dr. Wolter, with NOAA's Climate Diagnostic Center, predicted that tbe drought could still recur and that he believes EI Nino is gone for this year. He expected as-I 0% chance of a potential wetter weather for Colorado in October through December and normal weather from January through March. Water Resources Interim Committee Pursues RICD Legislation: On Oct. 26, the Water Resources Interim Committee adopted a number of amendments to possible RICD legislation, and passed the legislation out of the interim committee by an 8 to 2 vote. Senator Isgar and Rep. Curry are the only sponsors of the bill at this time. The bilI, among other things, would reduce the issues that the Board must review, eliminate the Board's rulemaking authority regarding RICDs as it relates to additional factors, and eliminate the requirement for a CWCB hearing. A copy of the legislation is attached. The Committee also passed out of the Committee a bilI related to well administration, which is attached to this director's report. GOGO Considers Wbltewater Park Pollcin: GOCO continues to explore the possibility of adopting some policies related to funding for the construction of white water parks. The GOCO Board held a meeting on Nov. 9 to discuss this issue further. Ted Kowalski is working with the GOCO Board, and a subcommittee, to develop policies regarding the funding ofRICDs. A memorandum that was circulated by GOCO is attached to this director's report. RICO Updates: . I. Chaffee County RICO - The continued hearing and deliberations have been rescheduled for the Board's January meeting. At the September Board meeting, the Board approved a delay until November.. The Board will be asked to approve another delay until the January Board meeting, so that the parties can continue to explore settlement possibilities. The parties have made significant progress towards resolving the remaining issues. The trial for this case has been scheduled for October 2006. 2. Yampa\City or Steamboat Springs - The CWCB and the City of Steamboat participated in a eight-day trial in Steamboat Springs before Judge O'Hara, who ruled from the bench in favor of the City's application for an RICD water right in the full amounts requested by the City. Judge O'Hara will issue a written order in the next several weeks. The Board will be asked to discuss this matter in executive session. 3. Possible New RICD Fillugs - The Towns of Avon and Eagle are both exploring the possibility of developing whitewater parks and applying for RICD water rights. CWCB staffmet with representatives of the Town of Avon on Nov. 7 to discuss their ideas for a possible RICD water right. The Town of Durango also continues to explore the possibility of building a whitewater park in the Animas River, and the possibility of applying for an RICD water right for such a park. Staff of the CWCB met with City representatives in September to discuss this possibility. The Staff will advise the Board of further details, as they become available. . 4. Pagosa Springs Whltewater Park - The Anny Corps of Engineers continue to discuss concerns about the Towns' unlawful removal ofa USGS gage and the removal of in stream "W" structures in the San Juan River, and their replacement with kayaking "U" structures. The Corps has charged that the new structures negatively affect the l00-year flood plain, among other things. 13